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Editorial Reviews
Review
master-class rock & roll songwriters --Rolling Stone
Product Description
The four Texans return with an explosive new album that captures the sound their fans treasure while excitingly veering their songwriting and production into new areas. The result is the aurally thrilling The Grand Theatre Volume One. Written primarily by frontman Rhett Miller while on tour in the UK, Miller offers up his wry character studies and charming twists on phrases. The 97 s sound is expertly rounded out by band members: Murry Hammond, Ken Bethea and Philip Peeples. Together as a band they ve delivered an album that will rock America from coast to coast.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been a huge Old 97's fan for years, but I confess that I've been a bit disappointed with their last few albums. Nevertheless, I was still eagerly awaiting the release of The Grand Theatre, Volume One. I'm happy to say, after a few listens, I think this might be the band's best effort since 2001's Satellite Rides.
Recorded live without an audience at Dallas's Sons of Hermann Hall, this album rocks in a Too Far To Care-ish kind of way. It features catchy melodies, great lyrics and vocals from frontman Rhett Miller, strong harmonies, scorching guitar work from Ken Bethea, and the usual solid support from bassist Murry Hammond and drummer Philip Peeples.
Standout tracks are "The Grand Theatre," "The Dance Class," "Please Hold On While the Train Is Moving," and--my favorite--the somewhat haunting "Let the Whiskey Take the Reins," which offers up a very cool hushed vocal from Rhett and nice play-along guitar licks from Ken. The record's first single, "Every Night Is Friday Night (Without You)" is an enthusiastic rocker, while Murry's two songs--"You Smoke Too Much" and "You Were Born to Be in a Battle"--are both top-notch. Finally, Bob Dylan fans take note: "Champaign, Illinois" is actually Dylan's "Desolation Row," with new Rhett Miller-penned (and Bob Dylan-approved) lyrics.
It's nice to see the Old 97's back at the top of their game. I'm giving this album 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can't wait for the release of The Grand Theatre, Volume Two next spring!
Recorded live without an audience at Dallas's Sons of Hermann Hall, this album rocks in a Too Far To Care-ish kind of way. It features catchy melodies, great lyrics and vocals from frontman Rhett Miller, strong harmonies, scorching guitar work from Ken Bethea, and the usual solid support from bassist Murry Hammond and drummer Philip Peeples.
Standout tracks are "The Grand Theatre," "The Dance Class," "Please Hold On While the Train Is Moving," and--my favorite--the somewhat haunting "Let the Whiskey Take the Reins," which offers up a very cool hushed vocal from Rhett and nice play-along guitar licks from Ken. The record's first single, "Every Night Is Friday Night (Without You)" is an enthusiastic rocker, while Murry's two songs--"You Smoke Too Much" and "You Were Born to Be in a Battle"--are both top-notch. Finally, Bob Dylan fans take note: "Champaign, Illinois" is actually Dylan's "Desolation Row," with new Rhett Miller-penned (and Bob Dylan-approved) lyrics.
It's nice to see the Old 97's back at the top of their game. I'm giving this album 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can't wait for the release of The Grand Theatre, Volume Two next spring!
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
You know that Blame It On Gravity Album? Well this one is on a whole new level. They're Back!
October 13, 2010
By Corey
Format:Audio CD
This is the album Old 97's purists have been waiting for. It is their seventh studio album, coming 16 years after their first, and it may just be one of the best. It is a delightful combination of their original Alt Country twang and pop-rock tendencies. It reminds me of, and in my opinion is their best album since, 1997s Too Far To Care, which although having hints of pop is more closely resembles the sound of their first two albums, Hitchhike To Rhome (1994) and Wreck Your Life (1995). Once again Rhett Miller and Murray Hammond have given us great vocal performances, especially on Rhett's "Let The Whiskey Take The Reins" and Murry's Cash-esque "You Were Born To Be in Battle." Once again both men exhibit the same clever lyrical stylings we are used to. Although I can't help but feel a slight emptiness in the lyrics compared to Wreck Your Life's (the same feeling I've had for most of their albums since Satellite Rides. Drag It Up is the exception.) They seem to lack the pain, anger and pure emotion that made their early work great, but its an acceptable mellowing out. They battled against the angst of their twenties, matured, and settled down and this album reflects this.
The highlight of the album is "A State of Texas." With this track the band illustrates they have not lost their roots. It is pure Old 97's and harkens back once again and most evidently to the golden age of the Old 97's, their first three albums. This could be the beginning of another. "Champaign, IL" is also one of this album's highlights. A reworking of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row," it has a slightly pop-ier and up-beat tempo than "A State of Texas." The lyrics quickly suck you in from the very first line and the hook is catchy as we've come to expect; but it is not as pop sounding as many of Blame It On Gravity's songs.
Surely to be the album's first single is "Every Night is Friday Night (Without You)." Of all the songs it has the widest appeal. Intro-ed by Phillip Peeples' drums Murray Hammond's bass line quickly enters and continues to dominate. Ken Bethea's guitar and Rhett Miller's voice blare throughout, completing the song.
In the past Rhett has tried to make his voice too pretty in my opinion. What he does best is gritty and dark. He is at the top of his game in this album though. Most of the songs incorporate this side of Rhett but even when he tries a softer sound he excels, for instance in "Love is What You Are." The album also marks a shift in Ken's guitar playing. In "Blame It On Gravity" he experimented, specifically using a variety of new peddles. This created an enjoyable sound that at times was slightly eerie ("Early Morning"). On The Grand Theatre he strips down his playing and is much more raw, in a pleasing way. This too more closely resembles their less polished older stuff.
I've always been of the persuasion that Murry's songs are among the best the Old 97's have ever recorded and definitely have been the best songs on their more recent albums. Murry always stayed pure to his sound despite shifts the band and Rhett have taken. Even when Rhett is at his best I still prefer Murry's songs. I feel no differently with this album but his greatness is partially muted because the rest of the album is at a level that matches Murray's for the first time since Drag It Up.
In all this album is great. Buy it on iTunes, Amazon, at Best Buy, wherever, just get it. If you are an Old 97's fan you should really enjoy this album and if you are a purist then you should be very pleased. They prove that they haven't lost their way. They are still Alt Country and they are still Power Rock. They can still successfully create a cohesive and enjoyable album while remaining true to their roots even after 16 years and 7 albums. More importantly they are still the Old 97's, Texas' finest.
By the way I would give it a 4.2-4.5 out of 5 but there is no option for that
The highlight of the album is "A State of Texas." With this track the band illustrates they have not lost their roots. It is pure Old 97's and harkens back once again and most evidently to the golden age of the Old 97's, their first three albums. This could be the beginning of another. "Champaign, IL" is also one of this album's highlights. A reworking of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row," it has a slightly pop-ier and up-beat tempo than "A State of Texas." The lyrics quickly suck you in from the very first line and the hook is catchy as we've come to expect; but it is not as pop sounding as many of Blame It On Gravity's songs.
Surely to be the album's first single is "Every Night is Friday Night (Without You)." Of all the songs it has the widest appeal. Intro-ed by Phillip Peeples' drums Murray Hammond's bass line quickly enters and continues to dominate. Ken Bethea's guitar and Rhett Miller's voice blare throughout, completing the song.
In the past Rhett has tried to make his voice too pretty in my opinion. What he does best is gritty and dark. He is at the top of his game in this album though. Most of the songs incorporate this side of Rhett but even when he tries a softer sound he excels, for instance in "Love is What You Are." The album also marks a shift in Ken's guitar playing. In "Blame It On Gravity" he experimented, specifically using a variety of new peddles. This created an enjoyable sound that at times was slightly eerie ("Early Morning"). On The Grand Theatre he strips down his playing and is much more raw, in a pleasing way. This too more closely resembles their less polished older stuff.
I've always been of the persuasion that Murry's songs are among the best the Old 97's have ever recorded and definitely have been the best songs on their more recent albums. Murry always stayed pure to his sound despite shifts the band and Rhett have taken. Even when Rhett is at his best I still prefer Murry's songs. I feel no differently with this album but his greatness is partially muted because the rest of the album is at a level that matches Murray's for the first time since Drag It Up.
In all this album is great. Buy it on iTunes, Amazon, at Best Buy, wherever, just get it. If you are an Old 97's fan you should really enjoy this album and if you are a purist then you should be very pleased. They prove that they haven't lost their way. They are still Alt Country and they are still Power Rock. They can still successfully create a cohesive and enjoyable album while remaining true to their roots even after 16 years and 7 albums. More importantly they are still the Old 97's, Texas' finest.
By the way I would give it a 4.2-4.5 out of 5 but there is no option for that
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
You know the 97's CD's that are your absolute go-to's? Add this to the list...
October 13, 2010
By Moze
Format:MP3 Music
I was one of the fortunate to catch them live last night at Borders here in Dallas for the release of The Grand Theatre Volume One. The show was great, their energy and cohesion was as amazing as it always is, and they were still down-to-earth enough to do a meet-and-greet and signing of the new CD after the show. Got to shake hands with all of them and chit-chat a little. A perfect "Old 97's night"!
The new release is a work of art. The members all shine individually at what they do. And of course collectively - they simply excel. The songwriting is clever and as powerful as ever. Rhett and Murry both do an amazing job on the vocals. Having an album where they both sing lead on their respective songs, always feels like a two-for-one deal. And of course the 97's wouldn't be the 97's without Ken and Philip doing what they do so well.
I will admit that their previous album "Blame it on Gravity", was not one of my favorites. There are without a doubt some great songs on it, but it has never been one of those CDs that I could listen to all the way through. "The Grand Theatre Volume One" fixes all that. Get the CD, put it in your player, and be prepared to be hooked from the first song to the last.
The new release is a work of art. The members all shine individually at what they do. And of course collectively - they simply excel. The songwriting is clever and as powerful as ever. Rhett and Murry both do an amazing job on the vocals. Having an album where they both sing lead on their respective songs, always feels like a two-for-one deal. And of course the 97's wouldn't be the 97's without Ken and Philip doing what they do so well.
I will admit that their previous album "Blame it on Gravity", was not one of my favorites. There are without a doubt some great songs on it, but it has never been one of those CDs that I could listen to all the way through. "The Grand Theatre Volume One" fixes all that. Get the CD, put it in your player, and be prepared to be hooked from the first song to the last.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Best in a while
I think this is the best Old 97s album since Satellite Rides. The band sounds more energized than they have in years. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mark Twang
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have
I just got into the Old 97s a year or so ago (where was I?). I started with their Best Of called "Hit By A Train. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Scott H
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another fine effort..
Another fine effort from the another underappreciated band. Been following these guys since their inception in the 90's, and they are in rare form on this album. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Keith
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but a tad confusing
This is one of THOSE albums.
Old 97 fans will divide right down the middle on this one, and either love it or hate it. Read more
Old 97 fans will divide right down the middle on this one, and either love it or hate it. Read more
Published 20 months ago by listen_er
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fine Album
If you like the Old 97s, you'll likely enjoy this album. For me, it becomes more enjoyable with each listen - and the louder you play it, the better it is. Read more
Published on May 17, 2011 by Beans-N-Toast
3.0 out of 5 stars
Inconsistent. A few good tracks, but a disappointment.
Of the last few albums, I'd rate this one better than Drag It Up, but not a good as Blame It On Gravity. Read more
Published on February 21, 2011 by B. Blake
4.0 out of 5 stars
I keep gettin in my car...
It's a truism by now that there is far more to creating a truly great album than simply a combination of talent, good ideas and energy. Read more
Published on November 22, 2010 by Howlinw
5.0 out of 5 stars
True to Form
If you're a fan of the Old 97's, you'll like their new CD The Grand Theater Vol. 1. The tunes are very catchy, especially the single "Every Night is Friday Night Without You."
Published on November 13, 2010 by Chris Nemec
4.0 out of 5 stars
Old 97's Rock (Again)
The best rock band in America strikes again! The Old97's don't seem to know how to make a sub par album. The Grand Theatre continues the tradition. Read more
Published on November 8, 2010 by robert j charlton
2.0 out of 5 stars
Pedestrian
Went to their myspace site to sample the new cd. First two tracks were so bar band boring, I could barely continue. Read more
Published on October 20, 2010 by JRS
