Customer Reviews

Laughin' and Cryin' with Reverend Horton Heat

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the things I've always loved about the Rev is his ability to combine rock, punk, swing, and country into the genre we lovingly refer to as rockabilly. Every album since Smoke 'em has held many surprises and many more great memorable songs that span genres. However, Mr. Heath doesn't seem to be doing this anymore. Revival was the first album that stopped me in my tracks as it was almost completely country. I myself am not a fan of straight up country so I was mildly disappointed that there werent any faster, more rockin' songs. All in all, Revival is still a good record. Fast forward 5 years, and of course I'm excited to see a return to a more rock/swing vibe along with the country aspect that's always been there. Unfortunately, there really is none to be found on Laughin' and Cryin'. I give credit where it is due, and this album is another fantastic display of the Rev's lyrical prowess (if not slightly cheesy this time 'round) and of course, his collossal guitar playing. However, I think its fair to warn fans not to expect a rockabilly record in the true sense of the term. Laughin' & Cryin' is a country album with a few leans towards rock and swing. Most of the songs on this album are mid tempo, so nothing that will have you dancing like a fiend. I don't know it the Rev is mellowing out in his 50's or not, but this album would make one think so. I recommend it for fans on country music because this album blows any and all commercial country music out of the water. Great guitar album too. For the fans of old school Reverend Horton Heat and rockabilly in general, you will be left wanting more from this record.

Well, it seems that fans are a bit mixed on this one. Just by the reviews here it seems more disappointed than not.
Personally I loved this album, but that certainly doesn't mean that you will. If you're a bigger fan of the more frantic, punk infused sound of the Reverend's early albums, than this might not hit the spot. Folks compare it to Revival, and that's pretty accurate. Though I'm not sure I'd consider it as Country as most do. Yeah, there's definitely a very southern hillbilly type sound, but I tend to think of that more as along the lines of early Rockabilly than Country. I mean, it certainly doesn't sound like Freddy Fender if that's what you're worried about.
There are some catchy, uppity numbers but nothing quite along the lines of say, Galaxy 500.
I love the frantic albums from the Reverend's early days, but I also have a special place in my heart for his more recent stuff as well(in fact I may even like it more in some ways). Basically the best advice I can give is that you will most probably enjoy this album if you like Revival.

I actually really like this new album by Rev. Horton Heat. It is definitely more of an alt. country sounding album instead of the usual psychobilly/rockabilly sound they are known for and that to me is just fine. When Rev. Horton Heat is all done making music this album is not the one they are going to be remembered for by any means, but a lot of good quality songs on here. It starts out with one of my favorite songs on the album "Drinkin' and Smokin' Cigarettes which is just a great country song. "Death Metal Guys" is probably the closest song to being rockabilly on the album and is another good song. "Oh God Doesn't Work In Vegas" is a faster upbeat song and another one of the better songs in my opinion as is "Crazy Ex-Boyfriend" which is another really good country song. Overall not the Rev's best album, but it is different than the usual Rev. Horton Heat album and to me it is always good to not always do the same thing over and over however I wouldn't mind if they did another album like this one day.

I have always loved Reverend Horton Heat ever since I saw them open for ZZ Top 13 years ago. This new album doesn't do it for me at all. I think all the songs sound the same, and it's VERY country. More country then any other album. I will probably put this album on my shelf and forget about it. This is just my opinion mind you, but I'd pass on this album. It's just hard for me to get past how every song sounds just like the one before it. I was looking forward to this album since they announced it. Oh well. They still have plenty of albums for me to rock out to!

I was a little surprised at this latest CD by the Reverend Horton Heat - it is unlike anything else they have put out. This is neither good nor bad, just different. If you're looking for the hard-driving, fast-paced psychobilly beats, they're just not there. If you're looking for something on the whimsical, humorous side, you're in luck.

Caught the Rev Saturday night at the 9:30 Club in DC - with Cracker opening up for them; great show. This latest release is full of rockabilly goodness! They played 5 of the tracks in the show, which was what pushed me over the edge to get the CD from the merch booth before I left. Yep, this one is a keeper!

Would say the first half of the disc is the best - a bit more classic country influence, but upbeat and catchy. Second half a bit more down tempo, not a memorable tracks... but this is just after the first listen.

This, without a doubt, is the BEST CD the reverend has ever put out! I love it and I have quite an extensive collection of his CD's. Yeah, it's more country oriented, but it's great; more mainstream with his usual humorous lyrics. Be not afraid... buy it today; you won't be sorry.

The Rev. has been many things: psychobilly freak, surf rocker, rockabilly guy, etc.
On this disk he settles into what is probably his most true self - a pure alt-country artist who sings about what he knows, what he likes, and what pisses him off. He never takes himself too seriously and there is one solid track after another on this one. Not his most rocking work, but a lot of fun and still very insightful. The first 10 songs are terrific and the last 4 are pretty good. There are 2 fine instrumentals mixed in. Rev. even pulls off the near-impossible - singing a pro-gun song without sounding like a lunatic. 4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

I heard this in Hot Topic and loved the music. The sales clerk turned me one to the Reverend. I'll by more of his stuff. The cover is kinda scary tho

I have been following this band since I saw them open for ZZ Top many years ago. Once I went through three or four spins of this latest release I loved it. Now that they finally have a drummer who gels with the already great guitar and bass the band is as good as I have ever heard them. I love "Death Metal Guys" and "Oh God Doesn't Work in Vegas" but they are all good. If you love the guitar work check out Reverend Organ Drum which is a side project of Jim's.