Thursday, 13 Mar 2008
My first introduction to Bobby Bare Jr was a fleeting one. He opened for Lucero their last time through, and I arrived just as the final chords of his set were played. Afterwards, and in large numbers, people were saying how great he was and I took mental note to check him out later.
Knowing he was sure to be a presence in Austin for SXSW, I got a copy of The Longest Meow, his 2006 release on Bloodshot Records. Along with fellow Bloodshot recording artist, Justin Townes Earle, who we recommended yesterday, this record has been one of the handful that have resonated the loudest of late. Combining bright horns to the backdrop of his rock and roll front allows for a combination that is hard to find, or perhaps better said, hard to do right. Though Bobby seems to accomplish this effortlessly and enjoyably so, making this release one I can highly recommend. The Longest Meow is his most recent, a quick scan lets me know he catalog holds (at least) four releases, so, I ask of you, where should I go from here for more material?
If you’re in Austin today, you have a couple opportunities to catch him, otherwise he’ll be holding down opener duties for Son Volt beginning next month.
Myspace: Bobby Bare Jr
MP3: Bobby Bare Jr - “Back To Blue”
MP3: Bobby Bare Jr. - “The Heart Bionic”
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Photo: Mark Strandquist
Find more MP3’s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic
March 13th, 2008 at 9:04 am
BBJr is great - I think each of his albums has some merit, but the best is the first - Young Criminals Starvation League. “I’ll Be Around” is one of his best songs and there are many other gems on there too. “Flat Chested Girl”, “Hey Mehan”, and the Smiths cover especially, but lots of great songs. Guy’s got some voice.
The second album has a food good tunes too - “Valentine” and the 4th song which I can’t think to name right now. Overall not as strong but worth checking out if you’re a fan.
Neither is as loud and electric as The Longest Meow. There’s an EP too, but I don’t think I’ve got that one.
I first heard of him way back when on the old Postcard mailing list….everyone was going crazy for a while about the first album.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I first heard of BBJr on the old Postcard mailing list - they went crazy over his first album, Young Criminal Starvation League, and it was well deserved. Solid album. “Ill Be Around” is a great great song. So are a bunch of others from it.
Second album has some gems too, but isnt as strong overall. I don’t know much about their EP.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:38 am
“From the end of your leash” is so good I’ve purchased it twice! It’s (IMO) his best album
March 13th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Will you get me an magnet from the Alamo please?
March 13th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
oops on the double post - the first one didn’t show up right away, so you get an abridged one too!
March 14th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Ryan - another vote for Young Criminals Starvation League. Great album.