Customer Reviews

Real Men Cry

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Lost Dogs was formed when the leading members of four pioneering yet obscure alternative bands got together to rediscover the roots of rock and roll, resulting in 1992's Scenic Routes, a hodgepodge of musical styles running from country to gospel to blues to rock to alternative. Three more albums brings us to the release of last years Gift Horse and the passing away of member Gene Eugene, leaving many to wonder if he would be replaced, who would replace him, who could replace him, or if The Lost Dogs would even continue. Legally binding record contracts being what they are, The Lost Dogs have continued, sans replacement.

Being this is their first album as a three-piece (plus the usual ragtag of rhythm section players), it's somewhat fitting that album is quite reminiscent of the Merle Haggard-Johnny Cash feel of the very first Lost Dogs album. While Gift Horse unabashedly country with twang, this one runs the stylistic gamut, although not as much as their 1996 release Green Room Serenade. One of the joys in having four, er, three strong song writers in a group is each member has their turn at bat but as in last years release, Terry Taylor wrote nearly every song, resulting in a more uniform tone but one that is not as nearly as adventurous or as fun as it could be. Still, they take turns on vocals and guitars, including the copious vocal harmonies. Even for one such as myself who abhors the twangy end of country music, there are lots of well-written gems that are sure to be ignored by the general public. Mike Roe croons the effective ballad of a title track in a gentle tenor voice and later does his best Gene Eugene impersonation on the touching "In The Distance". "The Legged Dog" is a rollicking, humorous song about a dog (band?) that has "a few miles left." "Dust on the Bible" is appropriately of the gospel genre while "Certain Love" is an upbeat alternative country song spouting lyrics such as "I had a dream but it fell apart/ A trusted friend who broke my heart." True to form, the songs are sweet and sad, describing losses, loneliness and regret but always with a flicker of hope. While not my favorite Lost Dogs album, there is a definite charm and earnestness to these "sung from the heart" songs, a joy in being alive despite life's hardships and pains that makes this album a keeper.

This first album since the untimely death of co-founding member Gene "Eugene" Andrusco finds the Dogs in fine form. Terry Taylor's fine songwriting dominates the album, as he wrote all but one track on the album. As with their last album, they include an old favorite, "Dust on the Bible" as an homage to their love for traditional gospel. The album was recorded at Eugene's "Fabulous Green Room" studio, as always.

Missing from the list of players this time around are drummer Burleigh Drummond and Gregg Kellogg, who had added steel guitar to the previous Dogs releases. Manning the sticks is Frank Lenz, a fine session drummer who has played on many alt-rock albums, most notably with Fold Zandura. Old friends Mike Knott and Phil Madeira contribute vocals and keyboards, respectively.

The songs, as mentioned, are first rate musically and lyrically. "Certain Love" and "Gates of Eden" get the album off to a rousing start. Unfortunately, Derri Daughtery's thin vocals are almost overwhelmed by the instruments on the latter piece. All 3 Dogs take turns doing lead vocals on the songs, and they vary in mood and tone. Most stay in a Merle Haggard, country-ish vein. Many songs feature all the Dogs harmonizing such that you can't help but join in! Longtime fans of the Dogs and their respective bands will love this album. Those new to the band will find lots to like as well. I would highly recommend this album!

one minor complaint I have is several of the songs come in at less than 3 minutes, leaving sort of an empty feeling. However, if you take time to absorb the lyrics, you'll come away from this album in a great mood.

With the untimely passing of Gene Eugene, I wondered how well the next project from Lost Dogs would turn out, or if they would even continue to record without him. 'Real Men Cry' definitely lacks Gene's contribution, but with Terry Taylor's creative genius, it is a toe-tapping collection of country style numbers with a touch of bluegrass (In fact, every time I listen to the CD, I picture myself sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair with a cold glass of lemonade in hand, head bobbing in rhythm to the music). Harmonic vocals and great guitar work permiate each track. And once again, Terry's lyrical talent shines. NO SHADOW OF TURNING is my favorite tune, but A CERTAIN LOVE comes in a close second. I get the impression that Terry was thinking of the band when he penned THREE LEGGED DOG and it seems he's returning to his 'roots' with the style of music performed on this and the last project 'Gift Horse'.

I had not heard anything from this album when I bought it, but I have a couple of their other albums, so I thought I would give it a try. When I listened to the whole thing the first time, I was blown away! It is the best Lost Dogs album since Little Red Riding Hood in my opinion. There are some humorous tracks, but most of the album is sincere, touching roots music. If you are a Dogs fan or a Terry Taylor fan, this is a must-have album.

Let me start by saying that I am a christian turned atheist who sill loves the music that these guys play. I only say this because I am not clouded by the notion that "all Christian music is great!!" as I once was. Getting to the disc....the first 2 songs are worth the $15 or whatever dollars you pay for this..they are Byrds inspired jangle-rock that are just perfect. The next song, the title track is a bit slow, but not bad...Three leged dog is a country/rock rave up that would make Jason and the Scorchers proud...in a similar vein is "When the judgement Comes"...I assume these are the songs an earlier reviewer said sounded like Johnny Cash and Merle Hagard....um, no...sorry, I don't think they have ever heard either person..this is a horrible discription....think more Uncle Tupelo or even closer-the Bottle Rockets. (Actually this whole disc is similar to Golden Smog of alt-country fame...if you like that, buy this). The only songs I don't like are Golden Dreams and No Shadow Of a Turning...too boring....but greatness follows in the untitled track...Lovely Man....damn this good. It is sung by Mike Roe of the 77's and it is a mid-tempo countryish shuffle that ends the disc on a perfect note. I listen to this disc often, and I would encourage anyone who is erudite enough to look at this listing to buy it...

I came late to the Lost Dogs, having purchased their "Best Of" first, and enjoying many of the songs, but not necessairly being blown away. What brought me back to the Dogs was a Daniel Amos CD "Mr. Buechner's Dream". That double Cd is one of the best albums I have ever heard. So, wanting more of that type of music, I checked out Terry Taylor's other group again. This CD is excellent. It seems to be more in the vein of country-folk than the earlier Lost Dogs CD's, but there is beautiful music here. "Real Men Cry", and "The Mark of Cain" are slow, reflective, thoughtful, and lovely. There are fun songs too, but with meaning, such as "Dust on the Bible" the one song on the disc not written by Taylor. Taylor has frequently been called the best songwriter in Contemporary Christian music, but that's too limiting. He paints visual images that linger. Soothing and thoughtful music.