Tuesday, 13 Jun 2006
Backyard Tire Fire – Bar Room Semantics
Stories of hard work, hard luck, long nights, dirty deeds, family, youth and good ole boys are crafted in a timeless manner.
I got this album a few weeks ago, and was familiar with the band due to a recent tour stop in Milwaukee playing with Freshwater Collins. While press materials state that the band sounds like the second coming of the Drive-By Truckers, I really don’t hear to much of that at all. Instead, I hear more Wilco and Black Crowes in these tunes. Enough with comparisons though, this album is definitely worthy of repeated listens and I must draw on a quote from Jambase for this album, “one you’ll want to keep around for sunrises and heavy talks long after you sober up.” If you’re a fan of alt-country at all, then I feel strongly that you would dig this album. You can check out a few of their tunes on their Myspace site, and with a tour taking them all over the US this summer, there is a good chance you can see them live as well.
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Josh Ritter – The Animal Years
When people talk about breakthrough albums, this is what they mean – The Onion
My first exposure to Josh Ritter’s music was through his Myspace site. It wasn’t too long afterwards that I picked up the album. These tunes are well put together and conjure up a well of emotions and provide the perfect music for a Sunday afternoon. Often labeled as a folk artist, primarily as a result of his previous work, this album is folk music combined with multiple layers of instruments and crisp vocals. While his sound may have departed from traditional folk music sound on this album, the stories that define that genre are still very present in each of these songs. I’ve listened to this album a lot in airports and on airplanes. It always seems to provide the perfect traveling soundtrack, providing an easy listen to escape the sometimes chaotic atmosphere.
I admit that I was a little displeased that Josh cancelled a recent performance at the High Noon Saloon here in Madison, but I hope he comes back soon to make up the date.
Here are two tracks off of the album via Josh’s website, check them out, they don’t disappoint. If you like the tracks below you can stream the entire album by clicking here.