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Old
97's
Satellite Rides
(Elektra
Records) |
Words by Jen Kriesel
Bonanzaradio.com
April, 2001
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Old 97s
Satellite Rides
Once described as "4 young Jimmy Stewarts,"
the Old 97s are indeed a quartet of witty, dashing, dapper, honorable
and talented young gentlemen. Lead singer Rhett Miller is cuter
than Dale Evans' fringed red cowboy boots and sings as sweet as
honey on a home-made biscuit. Both Rhett and Murry Hammond (backing
vocals and lead vocals on "Can't Get A Line" and "Up
The Devil's Pay") have a gittyuplittledoggie catch and lilt
in their voices that lends humor, heart and hot sauce to the always-stellar
musicianship these boys deliver.
Satellite Rides is the band's third major label release, following
two independent releases on Bloodshot Records. Originally a whip
smart too-country-for-punk-rock-too-pop-for-country-too-punk-rock-for-pop
outfit, the Old 97s have sorted out some of their genre surfing
conundrums. They've still got spurs, they still jingle, jangle,
jingle, but they're shiny bright and dulled at the points so as
not to prick or wound, voided of the earlier grit and sharp edges.
Continuing in the same style vein tapped by 1999's Fight Songs,
Satellite Rides owes as much to Cheap Trick or Redd Kross as Johnny
Cash or Dwight Yoakam, which is all good - it's a rock solid pop
record with beautiful production. There's still tight and pretty
guitar lines, sweetly glorious vocal harmonies, and lyrical twists.
But the two-steppin', shit-kickin', yee-haw-y'all spitfire spunk
and from-yer-toes hell-yeah has simmered down to an aw-shucks,
gee-whiz, crystalline polish that's more middle-of-the-road than
own-the-road. The pictures painted by the lyrical tales aren't
quite as vivid, fewer true characters inhibit the songs' stories,
so Satellite Rides takes a few more listens to get into than the
grab-you-right-quick genuinely gleeful, genius lassoing of earlier
albums Wreck Your Life and Too Far To Care.
The Old 97s live shows are consistently brilliant, high-energy
displays of true player finesse and raw talent. Songs that may
lack a bit of pop and spark on record usually get stiff breezes
blown up their skirts on stage. The first pressing of Satellite
Rides comes with a special 6-song bonus CD, including live versions
of earlier killer tracks attesting to their performance prowess:
"Barrier Reef," "Victoria," "Nineteen,"
"Time Bomb," and "Valentine".
In addition to several cross-country tour dates booked through
the spring, Old 97s will also be appearing on Late Night with
Conan O'Brien on Tuesday, April 3rd.
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