Sunrise in the Land of Milk & Honey

Cracker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 5, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: 429 Records
• ASIN: B001VPJZKO
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,755 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2009 release. David Lowery, the creative genius behind Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, is back with a great new set of edgy, innovative and original Rock songs. Features guest appearances from Adam Duritz, John Doe and Patterson Hood.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Show me how this thing works, May 5, 2009

By 

Howlinw (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise in the Land of Milk & Honey (Audio CD)

It's hard to believe that it's already been three years since Cracker released their "comeback" album, Greenland. Greenland picked right up where their better material from the 90s left off, adding a newfound maturity and some sonic diversity to the mix. The album quite frankly blew me away and to this day is one of my favorites. However, I think they just may have upped the ante yet again.

Whereas Greenland seemed very much like a product of the studio, SITLOM&H is a harder-hitting collection of songs that sounds like it was recorded by a seasoned touring band. The group sounds focused and energetic, playing it tough and loose on new classics like "Hand Me My Inhaler," "Time Machine" and "Show Me How This Thing Works." Other reviewers have correctly pointed out that the band owes a debt to the classic-era Stones, but there is also a punky streak here that hasn't surfaced quite so strongly since 1996's The Golden Age. However, this album also contains the band's best outright country song since "Mr. Wrong" (from their debut) in "Friends" as well as two wistful ballads, "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me" and the surprisingly unironic "Darling One." I had missed Lowery's balladry and am glad that it has resurfaced. Each song is distinctive and superbly crafted, yet together the whole is still greater than the sum of its parts. The album has a natural, unforced flow stretching from the vaguely apocalyptic opener "Yalla Yalla (Let's Go)" to the edgy title-track closer.

David Lowery's lyrics, a key part of every Cracker release, are in finest form here. He is funny and ironic as only he can be, but some of his lyrics display a newfound weight and gravity which first became fully evident on Greenland. Take for example the following, from the title track:

"Sunrise in the land of the Pharaohs
I see my broken arrows scattered
cross the plain"

There is nothing as self-consciously ridiculous as "Everybody Gets One For Free" on this disc, although "Friends" has that same over-the-top quality. Lowery also seems to be paying attention to world affairs, as references to the Middle Eastern world pepper some of these songs (especially the opener). It's probably his most consistent set of lyrics yet, and with the short length of these songs there is nothing that wears out its welcome in any way.

Even the guests are a perfect fit for the band's sound and approach. The contributions of John Doe, Adam Duritz, Patterson Hood and Brooke Fauver (among others) blend in seamlessly, never hijacking any of the material. That the band has fans of such great artistic credibility speaks strongly of their status as elder statesmen of truly classic rock n roll.

Cracker has come a long way since their early days, and each successive release has been nothing short of engaging and deeply satisfying as only pure rock n roll can be. This is easily the best rock n roll record I have heard yet this year, and will likely top my 2009 list (or tie with the new Wilco release, if it's as good as the pre-press seems to indicate). I think this one will vie for best of the decade too. This is the kind of album you can listen to many times in a row, take on a road trip, keep beside you for decades and never stop digging. Yeah I'm getting gushy. C'mon it's a great new Cracker disc. Get excited fans, it's everything you've ever hoped for and more. Play it LOUD.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best., May 5, 2009

By 

J. D. Rogers (San Rafael, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunrise in the Land of Milk & Honey (Audio CD)

I don't care what else comes out this year. This is one of the best Rock and Roll records of 2009, and probably 2008 and 2007 for that matter. Cracker has revisited their roots -- leaving a little taste of their country side, but mostly just straight ahead rock and roll. Great songwriting. Driving, passionate, skillful performances, flawlessly recorded. A must-have. I am really impressed. This could possibly be my favorite Cracker album. It left me wanting more.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Ever, May 5, 2009

By 

rocklover (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise in the Land of Milk & Honey (Audio CD)

Love love everything David Lowery is involved with, but this is by far, one of his best ever. I highly recommend EVERYONE grab a copy of this cd to hear true wordsmithing and rhythm at it's best. Love, "Turn On, Tune In". Should be the national anthem for the year 2009.