Customer Reviews

Well Deserved Obscurity

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Who would have thought reality T.V. would be good for something? Among all the bug-eating, attitude, you-know-it-ain't-gonna-last "romances" and bickering, it's hard to believe something worthwhile has emerged! First off, we have a pretty strong debut release from Nashville Star winner Brad Cotter. More importantly, we have the introduction of the Warren Brothers to a much larger audience. This rock & country hybrid duo (who've released two previous, albeit ignored, CDs) are, without a doubt, one of the strongest musical finds in the last five years, while WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY is a definite candidate for 2004's Album of the Year. Unique, original, creative and fun, you just don't hear music this strong all that often nowadays. Picture the musical child of Steve Earle and Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Rodney Crowell as it's spiritual godfather! The disc opens with the captivating "Comeback." With it's swirling keyboards and jangling guitars, this ode to the good old days can be viewed as both a wry commentary to the social ills of the day or as a heartfelt love song. Brett Warren's guttsy vocals cap things off perfectly. In a perfect world, this is a hit single waiting to happen! Next up is the dark "Between The River and Me", one of the best story-songs on the disc. Like a fly on the wall, you're drawn in as the song's fifteen year old narrator lets us in on a dark secret. Alternating between folksy bluegrass picking and angry rock trashing, the song grabs you by the throat and won't let go. Another stand-out cut! "Change" is yet another strong cut. A frequent theme throughout much of WDO is the notion that, if you just hang in there, things will get better. Anchored by a brilliant arrangement, the song weaves in and out of lyrics that paint a picture of a man shot down, a man who...just...can't...cut...it - but who refuses to give up. When Brett cleverly wails "Ah...could you spare a little...change?", you know exactly what it means, and you're rooting for him! "Southern Baptist Heartbreak" has a jaunty lilt to it, very much in contrast to it's scathing lyrics. A biting commentary on Southern hypocrisy and backstabbing and whispering, this track is sort of a "Harper Valley PTA" 30 years later! Another fun story-song! Up next is the mournful ballad "Goodbye To Neverland", which features an aching, emotionally-drenched vocal from Brett, and the pulsating "Pretty." With a throbing bassline and stinging guitar work, the searing lyrics hit twice as hard. Lines such as "$7,000.00 for a new nose/Twice as much for fashion to look ghetto/She puts money into therapy/To make her feel O.K./And pennies in her panties so that she won't blow away" and "He has to stay in shape to pay for free love/Ecstasy is cheaper at the health club/He keeps a girl beside him/As proof that he is straight/Issues with his father/Say he could go either way" are made all the more powerful by the time Brett turns the camera on himself: "Blatant contridictions hide my insecurity/I choose to look at you/So I don't have to look at me." The icing on the cake is the clever chorus, a piece of smart writing that makes it clear, at least in this case, that "pretty" goes far beyond looks, in many, many ways. One of WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY's best cuts! "Sell A Lot Of Beer" is a rollicking cut about paying your dues in dives and gin joints....and enjoying it! You may not sell a lot of records, but you do sell...well, you get it! As good as the song is, though, I question releasing it as WDO's first single; there's a depth to the CD that's only hinted at on "...Beer", and it's good-time vibe might cause people to short-change the disc, which would be a shame. "Trouble Is" is one of the most gorgeous, literate break-up songs written in the last decade, and another candidate for hit singlehood! "Quarter To Three" is a slice of Southern fried boogie. If your butt isn't moving and your arms aren't in the air by song's end.....well, I'm sorry, friend, but you're DEAD!! "Little Savior Of Brooklyn" has a nice, even-paced shuffle to it, which is only made stronger by the picturesque lyrics. "Running Out Of Heroes" is a tender, hushed piece of thoughtfulness with a very clear message...we all need to be saved/rescued by someone at some point in our lives, while "Liquid Confidence" (which features some awesome picking from Brad Warren!) is fun, sad and sly, all at the same time. The disc ends with the wistful longing of "The Lucky." You can bet this gem will be covered by other artists for years to come! Finally, as per all my reviews for 2004 releases, I have to dock the disc half a star for not including the lyrics. That, however, is a minor point....if Brett and Brad continue to release CDs as strong as WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY, the Warren Brothers will have earned the right to kiss obscurity good-bye and settle into some well-deserved notoriety.

I first saw the Warren Brothers as judges on Nashville Star. They look like county rockers with a sense of humor. I just bought there CD and it totallly rocks!!! Every song is a winner and could stand alone as top 10 singles. Every song is a favorite of mine. I just love Goodbye to Neverland, the tune and lyrics go deep to your soul. I would pay good money to see the Warren Brothers in concert. This CD is the absolute best by far. My husband doesn't like country at all, but he likes this CD and listens to it often. That says a lot!!! The Warren Brothers are totally hot, with a bad boy image (very nice) and I hope your next CD rocks with as much awesome power and soul and this one. Great job!!!! Love you guys.

If Ryan Adams is considered a prolific songwriter, then these guys are 10 times better. They are that good. Their lyrics are brilliant. The wordplay is sharp, the hooks are infectious, and it is truly an artistic achievement. If Coldplay is considered so "brilliant" by all the cool pop artists and fans, well they havent heard this yet. The Warren Brothers are amazing. If you hear "Sell a lot of Beer" and chalk them up to that kind of Honky Tonk, Montgomery Gentry-type country rock, you are selling them short. I bought it for "Sell a lot of Beer" and it isnt even close to my favorite track now. This is how Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock wish they could do country flavored rock and roll music. Only in their dreams could they be the Warren Brothers. Buy this album!!

From "Well Deserved Obscurity" to Well Deserved Security

The Warren Brothers have been chasing that "elusive star" now for years. If the old adage is true that the third time is a charm then this album should prove to be the jewel in their crown. Having been a fan of these guys since the late 80's, an album of this caliber has been a long time coming. True they've run the gamete of genres but the heart and soul of their music has remained the same.

"Well Deserved Obscurity" proves itself to be a well crafted blend of pop, rock and country. The album moves from melodic pop to a full blown guitar-driven assault on the ear. I find it compelling and I can't seem to get the CD out of my CD player. "Well Deserved Obscurity" is fresh and full of energy and really hard to define. Cutting edge country perhaps?

As artists Brett and Brad have incurred increasing growth in their songwriting. It seems like everyone wants to get their hands on a hit penned by this hot duo. I believe that as much as they enjoy playing their own music I would not hesitate to say that they love writing a whole lot more. I think that their music wants to tell a story and I am thankful to be along for the ride.

Here is my track by track review of "Well Deserved Obscurity."

Comeback- I think we all wish we could go back to the way things used to be! We can't live in the past but it is nice to walk down memory lane and that's where this tune takes me.

Between the River & Me- By far my favorite track. This song gets into your brain and makes it home there. Having survived a violent relationship I find this song empowering! Move over Earl, Harley has come to town! Absolutely haunting!

Change- Could this song be my theme song? I love the way they have injected humor into this all too common Murphy's Law take on life!

Southern Baptist Heartbreak- I am glad to see this one made it to the album. It has a real catchy melody. It's a classic tune in my eyes, reminiscent of their father.

Goodbye to Neverland- This is not one of my preferred tracks. Lyrically it's fine. The tune just doesn't get it for me. I can't find the hook.

Pretty- I just love the lyrics here. The song shows their evolving sound. I find myself humming this one a lot.

Sell A Lot of Beer- Okay is there anyone that just doesn't like this one? It's your classic sing along song at any local bar! Maybe this could have been their theme song at one time. (Smiles) Great hook.

Trouble Is- Here's where they slow things back down. I've always been a sucker for a soulful ballad. The melody is smooth and words are thought provoking. Another example of classic Warren Brother's style.

Quarter to Three- This song is a throw back to their "rock" years. Definitely not my favorite as I find I skip this song 7 out of 10 times. Brad truly proves he is the master of his guitar in this tune but it drags on a little too long for me.

Little Saviour of Brooklyn- I love Brett's voice in this song. I can feel his emotions when he sings this song. It is a beautifully stirring masterpiece.

Runnin Out of Heroes- From the jump this is one of my top five on the album. (Superman bias right over here!) This song pulls it all together for me. The vocals, the music it's all dead on!

Liquid Confidence- I don't know what it is about this song, but it has power. It tells a story, as sad as it is, but the tune (combined with Brett's voice) is just electrifying. It gets in your head doesn't want to leave. This one has really grown on me. The harmonica puts it right into the top five.

The Lucky- Just the expressive climax needed for this album. Slows things back down and makes you glad you took the journey!

Although the last song, The Lucky doesn't stay with me the concept of the song is perhaps something the Warren Brothers already know, "the lucky just believe!" And so do I, Brett and Brad. I believe you have finally found some Well Deserved Security!

From "Well Deserved Obscurity" to Well Deserved Security

The Warren Brothers have been chasing that "elusive star" now for years. If the old adage is true that the third time is a charm then this album should prove to be the jewel in their crown. Having been a fan of these guys since the late 80's, an album of this caliber has been a long time coming. True they've run the gamete of genres but the heart and soul of their music has remained the same.

"Well Deserved Obscurity" proves itself to be a well crafted blend of pop, rock and country. The album moves from melodic pop to a full blown guitar-driven assault on the ear. I find it compelling and I can't seem to get the CD out of my CD player. "Well Deserved Obscurity" is fresh and full of energy and really hard to define. Cutting edge country perhaps?

As artists Brett and Brad have incurred increasing growth in their songwriting. It seems like everyone wants to get their hands on a hit penned by this hot duo. I believe that as much as they enjoy playing their own music I would not hesitate to say that they love writing a whole lot more. I think that their music wants to tell a story and I am thankful to be along for the ride.

Here is my track by track review of "Well Deserved Obscurity."

Comeback- I think we all wish we could go back to the way things used to be! We can't live in the past but it is nice to walk down memory lane and that's where this tune takes me.

Between the River & Me- By far my favorite track. This song gets into your brain and makes it home there. Having survived a violent relationship I find this song empowering! Move over Earl, Harley has come to town! Absolutely haunting!

Change- Could this song be my theme song? I love the way they have injected humor into this all too common Murphy's Law take on life!

Southern Baptist Heartbreak- I am glad to see this one made it to the album. It has a real catchy melody. It's a classic tune in my eyes, reminiscent of their father.

Goodbye to Neverland- This is not one of my preferred tracks. Lyrically it's fine. The tune just doesn't get it for me. I can't find the hook.

Pretty- I just love the lyrics here. The song shows their evolving sound. I find myself humming this one a lot.

Sell A Lot of Beer- Okay is there anyone that just doesn't like this one? It's your classic sing along song at any local bar! Maybe this could have been their theme song at one time. (Smiles) Great hook.

Trouble Is- Here's where they slow things back down. I've always been a sucker for a soulful ballad. The melody is smooth and words are thought provoking. Another example of classic Warren Brother's style.

Quarter to Three- This song is a throw back to their "rock" years. Definitely not my favorite as I find I skip this song 7 out of 10 times. Brad truly proves he is the master of his guitar in this tune but it drags on a little too long for me.

Little Saviour of Brooklyn- I love Brett's voice in this song. I can feel his emotions when he sings this song. It is a beautifully stirring masterpiece.

Runnin Out of Heroes- From the jump this is one of my top five on the album. (Superman bias right over here!) This song pulls it all together for me. The vocals, the music it's all dead on!

Liquid Confidence- I don't know what it is about this song, but it has power. It tells a story, as sad as it is, but the tune (combined with Brett's voice) is just electrifying. It gets in your head doesn't want to leave. This one has really grown on me. The harmonica puts it right into the top five.

The Lucky- Just the expressive climax needed for this album. Slows things back down and makes you glad you took the journey!

Although the last song, The Lucky doesn't stay with me the concept of the song is perhaps something the Warren Brothers already know, "the lucky just believe!" And so do I, Brett and Brad. I believe you have finally found some Well Deserved Security!

The Warren Brothers are unique, in a business that thrives on similarity. They are alternative country's closest thing to mainstream music, and yet are too alternative for most mainstream listeners. It's kinda sad...except the Brothers are loving every minute of it!

This album is, as is par for the Brothers, deep and introspective. However, this one goes a little further than even their last effort, KING OF NOTHING, and it is quite possibly one of the best country records released this year.

The tracks show the very meaning of diversity. "Between the River and Me" is a song of a young man getting revenge on his abusive stepfather. "Change" features a man who can never get it right; in "Southern Baptist Heartache," a good girl goes bad in order to escape the normal routine.

"Pretty" follows a long line of Warren Brothers songs poking fun--sometimes harshly--at celebrities. "Sell a Lot of Beer," the album's first single, is a tribute to honky-tonkers everywhere ("I don't sell a lot of recores/But i sure sell a lot of beer"). "Liquid Confidence" is of a man who learns to find everything he needs in a bottle, while "Comeback" uses a failing relationship as a metaphor for a failing world.

"Little Savior of Brooklynn" is a masterful character study, while "The Lucky" is the way to live your life ("Wise men ask questions/The lucky just believe"). "Runnin Out of Heroes" is a plea from a desperate man as he ages. "Quarter to Three" shows us the life of a guy who's at his peak in the wee hours of the morning, holed up in a bar.

You may think otherwise, but I didn't give anything away. These songs are awesome, as are most tunes recorded by Brett and Brad Warren. The two are superb songwriters/musicians, and never fail to delight.

Some people will be upset over the fact that the Brothers' most recent (and biggest) hit, "Hey Mr. President," is not included here. I was a little upset myself; still am, too. However, I know that I have these thirteen other tracks, all of which are terrific; I can suffer the loss of one song, and I think you can, too.

WELL-DESRVED OBSCURITY says it all in the title. Mainstream country music may have overlooked the Warren Brothers, but that's just fine with them and us. Buy this CD and see why the Warren Brothers are like that little secret we all like to share.

I love the title, but they will be better known after this album. It is truly for people who love music,either country or rock. It is a nice blend, not leaning too much one way or the other, which I like. I went to a taping of the Nashville Star and they were so funny that I wanted to try their music. They are wonderful and their reality show is funny too. They are just funny, down to earth guys,who have alot of talent. This was a gift for my husband that I'm really enjoying too.
I highly urge you to try this cd if you like feel good music. These guys really rock and I look forward to hearing alot more from them in the near future.

The Warren Bros. have always been known to walk the rock side of country and they continue the walk with more fervor on this album. Just as they continue to mix infectious rhythms ("Between the River and Me"), soulfoul ballads with clever and picturesque lyrics. Songwriting is one of their muscles which lets them stand out ever since lines such as "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by the way they live their live" from their first album, which might as well fit in a philosphical book about the people we live with and the world we live in. Adding the spice and varietey any musical form needs to survive, the Warren Bros. might just be the little saviour of country music, if they get a chance. I sure do hope they get the success they deserve with their unique approach and that they once will indeed sell more records than beer. Make yourself a favor and contribute by buying this album!
Now if only someone would bring back the Sons of the Desert too and give them a chance to record another album like their first ...

The CD is a good one, but the main reason I bought it was for the song, "Sell A Lot of Beer". The CD version is only the Warren Brothers, NOT the cut on the radio where Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney join them.

this is the best warren brother album.
brillant writing, beautiful vocals & music.
also, great live show.(now touring w/ tim mcgraw)
a must see!!!(and buy)