Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 21 / 6 / 2008
Label:
New West Records
Format: CD
intro
Often impressive seventh album from seasoned Americana band the Old 97's, which despite being not always totally successful, provides some fine moments
When you play traditional country rock, you better do it well. On their seventh album Old 97's play like a seasoned outfit competent enough to ride a few new waves. Always staying true to their country roots, Old 97's walk a thin line. In the middle of the road, the band steer away before they hit that gully called sentimentalism. So, there. I have written a bunch of clichés but I hope this serves a purpose. A bundle of seemingly worn out ideas can actually provide some fine moments nonetheless. 'Blame It On Gravity' works along those lines. If it wasn't for Rhett Miller's lyrics, you'd have nodded off after some time. As in classic soul and blues music, uplifting tunes deal with sad, sinister or sarcastic issues. If you liked the Smiths and you have broadened your horizon since then, you might care for Old 97's. The way they blend pathos and good ol' twang leads to a lovely sense of freefalling. File under 'Americana' though and use Old 97's's 'Blame It On Gravity' as the standard to compare recent and similar releases to. Get this if you feel the new REM album sounds too punky.
Track Listing:-
1 The Fool2 Dance with Me
3 No Baby I
4 My Two Feet
5 Ride
6 She Loves the Sunset
7 This Beautiful Thing
8 I Will Remain
9 Early Morning
10 The Easy Way
11 Here's to the Halcyon
12 Color of a Lonely Heart Is Blue
13 The One
Label Links:-
http://newwestrecords.com/https://www.facebook.com/newwestrecords
https://plus.google.com/+NewWestRecords/posts
https://twitter.com/newwestrecords
http://newwestrecords.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/NewWestRecords
reviews |
|
Early Tracks (2002) |
|
| "Barnstorming hybrid of honky tonk and early rockabilly rhythms shot through with a smidgen of punk attitude" on the Bloodshot label from under-rated Dallas-based group |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesPhilip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
Bill Wyman - Drive My Car
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Deep Purple - =1
Popstar - Obscene
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart