Old 97's

Editor's Review:

Old 97's have always been associated with the alternative country movement. Their most well-known album, Too Far To Care, is a raucous romp through Musica Americana, blending solid pop songwriting abilities with a largely alt-country sound and a heart that beat punk rock 'n' roll (X's Exine Cervenka joins vocalist Rhett Miller on Too Far To Care's "Four Leaf Clover"). And though that record rivals the best classic country music drinking albums, the whole "alt-country' thing is a label that they've never really copped to completely. Fight Songs was a drastic departure from the gritty and dusty sounds contained on the previous release.

Satellite Rides is most easily described as a blend of the two previous releases. The country vibe is back, brought to life in slide guitar accents, shuffle beats and vocal harmonies that resonate twang as well as soul. Many of these songs kick off with a wash of intertwined guitar melodies and anticipatory pop giddiness, then break into a more low-fi — though certainly not production-deficient — verses and choruses that raise the specter of the band's Western influences. From the clean and rolling guitar licks (plus one screaming solo), tambourine jangles and wooden block percussion to the mellow shuffle and stark twangy guitar lines that evoke that life-sucks-where's-my-whiskey feeling; and fast-paced musical playfulness with up-tempo with powerful pop aesthetics — this is pure Old 97's at their best.

The first run of this CD — the one available right now — also includes a second disc of live material, a little icing on the cake.

Bookmark:

Record Label Elektra Released March 2001

Tracks 1. King Of All The World 2. Rollerskate Skinny 3. Buick City Complex 4. Bird In A Cage 5. Up The Devil's Pay 6. What I Wouldn't Do 7. Question 8. Am I Too Late 9. Weightless 10. Can't Get A Line 11. Designs On You 12. Book Of Poems 13. Nervous Guy