Lucero – Nobody’s Darlings

Lucero is one of the more underrated bands on the internet in my opinion. Anyone who has witnessed one of their Whiskey soaked concerts can attest that these guys pour their heart and soul into every note in every song.

In addition to releasing “Nobody’s Darlings,” the band also put out a DVD of the recording process called, “Dreaming in America.” The DVD is a good look into a band that is on the brink of survival and just how important it is that we support the artists we like by going to their shows and buying their records.

According to iTunes, “Nobody’ Darlings” was one of three albums I played at home the most during the past year. I’ve given away my original copy of this album twice because friends have liked it so much. I believe it was on the “Dreaming in America” DVD, that lead singer Ben Nichols states that the bands catalogue includes “66 songs about woman and 2 about my grandpa.” This record features a lot of those songs about woman, with the same general theme scattered about, so why do I like it so much? A lot of people aren’t too big on Ben’s voice, but I really enjoy it, and I think he writes some great lyrics as well. Combine that with some great guitar hooks and the production done by none other than Jim Dickinson, this album is bound to be one that I listen to for years to come.

What the critics say:

Pitchfork – [7.5]

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Madison readers, buy it locally from B-Side Records. If you’re a Milwaukee reader, may I suggest Atomic Records. Please support either store if you live in Madison or Milwaukee.

You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.