Keep It Simple

The Hackensaw Boys | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 30, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hackensaw Boys
• ASIN: B00006AL7F
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,373 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Hackensaw Boys first began playing their joyful blend of old-time tinged music on the streets of Charlottesville in the autumn of 1999. Far from limiting themselves to the old-time canon, however, the Hackensaws have been first and foremost a band of songwriters. Their music, while drawing upon the spirit of the mountains, is sophisticated and informed by the best elements of punk rock and classic country music. As one reviewer put it: Â"Imagine the Carter Family meets the Ramones, and you begin to get the picture.Â" In Charlottesville, with new fans across the nation and fresh songs bursting from the groupÂ’s songwriters, the boys recorded Â"Keep It Simple,Â" an album which placed introspective pieces and high-octane burners side-by-side in a collection of all original tunes that pushed the Americana envelope to its most vibrant edge. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Virginia's best kept secret (that needs to be told), November 23, 2004

By 

Liz Adams (Hampton, VA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keep It Simple (Audio CD)

I saw these guys open for Cake 3 years ago and have been a rabid fan since. They managed to upstage the headliners and convert all of us art rock fans into square-dancin' hillbillies by the end of their set. The Hackensaw Boys have managed to capture what has been missing from most music for so long:passion and purity. While consisting of up to 12 members at a time, they manage to keep their sound unbelievably tight and and make keeping up with the frantic pace of such toe tappers as "Nashville" seem as natural and easy as breathing. Songs like "Smilin Must Mean Something" and "Grandma" slow down the pace and seem to touch an emotional core that I can only compare to hearing Bob Dylan for the first time. Their lyrics and melodies just speak so clearly and deeply without using the pretintious metaphores preferred by many artist today. It's the spirit of the music that is allowed to shine through.The Hackensaws are not only one of the best undiscovered bands around, but one of the best bands,period.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best New Band in Bluegrass, November 10, 2003

By 

Will Jacques (Waycross, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keep It Simple (Audio CD)

We just came from the Suwanee Fall Festival in Live Oak Fla. The Hackensaw Boys came onstage first thing Sat. morning. At first the crowd was tired and laid-back, but then they realized what was going on. WOW!!! I've been a bluegrass fan for years and play the banjo myself. I was blown away. My wife ran to their stand to get the CD. There was a line growing right from the start, I know they sold out.
The freshest new sound (or I might say, old sound). Lots of original stuff. Fun. These guys were great! I overheard several people around me say they were the most memorable act there and these people know their folk music. The Hackensaw Boys bring back the square dance to Bluegrass. That's the highest compliment I can give. So much Bluegrass now has gotten so mechanical, almost industrial. They've even followed Country into the broken heart treadmill. Yetch!! That's starting to turn fans off. Sure, being able to pick a great solo is impressive, but there's something called heart. That's why people listen to folk in the first place. Heart, you have it, or you're just a technician playing scales.
More impressive, these guys write their own songs. "Grandma," brought tears to my eyes and I'm not even slightly religous. Wow to the fiddle and dobro player. If America had any musical taste, these guys would be declared national treasures.
Get it! Get it! Get it!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GO BOYS!, October 7, 2002

By 

Tammy M. Blizzard (Massanutten, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keep It Simple (Audio CD)

I am on my 3rd CD. I wore out the 1st and the 2nd was stolen. You will be so impressed, if you are a bluegrass fan. All are catchy original tunes and will keep your toes and fingers tapping. My 9 year old neice, who listens to pop, loves to hear the Hackensaw Boys everytime we are together. You will not be disappointed. Also, catch them "live" if you can!