Astonishing. - What I can t believe about the Old 97 s is how long it took this dedicated, hard core, extremely critical music fan to find them. Not only is this album among the most well crafted popish, rock and roll records that I have heard in the past five years, the truly astonishing thing is that it is really no different than the quality of the music these folks have been putting out for nearly two decades. Outstanding. I have now listened to most of their music and it is hard for me to find a true misfire among the songs on any of their albums. Thoughtful, smart lyrics, twisted, dark, fun, off beat time signatures, and lots of unexpected twists and turns on a very tired genre. Going to see the Old 97 s in Sept during Austin City Limits and then will catch them in Buffalo in October. They may be a cult sensation, but I think they are one of the best bands making music in the states. They should be much much bigger than they are and you will have a real treat moving through Blame It On Gravity to their full catalog, as I did.
Catch Em Live!!! - Blame It On Gravity- I love this album, and I wanna tell ya.. catch em live if you can! Saw the Old 97 s live for the first time last night(8/1/08) at Webster Hall, NYC. Dynamite show! These boys play with a ton of fun-loving verve, and a whole lotta heart and soul.. Great Music, Terrific Live Band!!!
Another great release from an amazing lyricist & band - Fantastic cd, great, clever lyrics, updated sound, but still hard-charging guitar licks. Great addition to The Old 97 s library!
fast and fun - The boys are in fine form on this one. More solid front to back than Drag it Up. I ve always been partial to the uptempo thrashy songs from the 97 s, but I have to say that I really love Color of a Lonely Heart. This one s gonna stay in heavy rotation for a long time in my music world.
Their best since Too Far to Care - This CD is a return to the Old 97 s that I fell in love with.Drag it Up left me kind of cold. BIOG has the hooks, fantastic songwriting (from both Rhett Miller and Murry Hammond), and the solid drumming of Phil Peeples. The difference, it seems to me, is the return of guitarist Ken Bethea as a focal point on many of the songs. Songs like The Fool, Dance with Me, and particularly Ride have quitar hooks that enhance the songs tremendously. Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue is one of the most beautiful songs written in the last few years, regardless of genre. All in all, a superb CD.