These are all real reviews on a popular music download service.
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Mitchell Tenpenny EP
Kane Brown - Experiment
Luke Combs - This One's for You Too
(These are dumb because why the hell would you buy an album without checking its contents?? And you don't have to buy the whole album again, you morons. You can just buy the bonus tracks. Really, these people are idiots.)
Carrie Underwood - Cry Pretty
Thomas Rhett - Life Changes (Deluxe)
Eric Church - Desperate Man
Not about the politics of this one - just the reading comprehension skills and grammar.
The Pollies have had a busy, if somewhat quiet career since their debut came out in 2012. They've released 1 other full-length album, have backed Chris Porter on an EP, and have, of late, been backing Dylan LeBlanc around the US and Europe. In that time they have stretched their musical muscles and expanded the sounds that made their first two albums so intriguing. Now, they have released the retro, but positively modern, new album Transmissions.
With pulsing synths opening up the album, the Pollies let you know that a band from a place with rich musical history (Muscle Shoals, AL) can still shatter what it means to be a Southern band. While decidedly Southern sounding on most of the album, there are moments of freakouts such as the midway point and end of "Knocking At My Door." These are well-served and welcomed additions to these songs, adding a layer of intrigue to the perfectly crafted pop songs on the album. (To be fair, I've always been a fan of any sort of freakout moment on an album, so maybe I'm just biased.)
Jay Burgess and crew have started to hone their hook skills with beautiful rock songs like "Love's To Fault" and "Hold On My Heart." Burgess's voice is perfect to carry across these songs of loving and longing. You know how Lindsay Buckingham is the only person who could ever sing "Tusk?" Burgess's voice just ties all of these songs together with his raspy, wistful voice. Listen to "Lonely" and try to not be moved.
At their core, The Pollies have always been a pop rock band with tendencies to stretch out songs. Southern pop rock has always been a rather unglorified but important genre. Bands like Big Star put Southern pop rock on the map, but there are a number of bands emulating that style today (one other that comes to mind is Belle Adair out of AL, as well). The Pollies are carrying that torch and making that sound all their own.
If I had one complaint, I would say that I almost wish "You Want It" was a bit muted on the synths. It's an interesting inclusion, and I almost like the addition. But, it gets to be a bit glaring and doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the album. The rest of the songs are incredibly well thought out and balanced. "You Want It" misses that mark, for me.
Still, Transmissions is worth the price of admission. You won't be disappointed with the contents. This is an album of perfect summer tunes- almost wish I had the whole summer back to enjoy this one with the windows down or out on the river. In a different life, The Pollies would be getting their due on the radio, but that is not the world we live in. Instead, you should go out, buy this and every other Pollies album, and share or buy one for your friends/family.
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Transmissions is available on Bandcamp, Amazon, Spotify, etc.
by Trailer - Originally posted on Country California, Wednesday, November 03, 2010
The Zac Brown Band has added a new member to its already large roster, unbeknownst to Zac Brown.
FNN has learned that "rhythm guitarist" Jesse Carlsworth of Pittsburgh has been touring with the hit country group of his own accord since their performance in his city in July. He is not listed on the ZBB website or the CD booklet for their newest release You Get What You Give, but has found his way onto a couple of concert t-shirts and promo shots.
At the band's recent show in Charlotte, NC, Carlsworth appeared onstage, heavy with facial growth and clad in a plaid shirt and torn jeans. Nothing seemed askew, as he shared between-song banter with other members and pretended, adequately enough, to play rhythm guitar throughout the 18 song set. During the coda of the final song, Zac Brown recognized all the band members, but looked perplexed when he came to Jesse, saying "and there's uh, ol' Zeke on second rhythm guitar."
A call to management has gone unreturned, but attendees from other recent concerts have reported similar stories. "I didn't think nothin' about it, he was singing harmony just fine, I think," said Jeanie Luke of Phoenix. "You mean he ain't really in the band? I got him to sign my left boobie in the parking lot after the show!"
For its part, the band has welcomed Jesse with open arms, despite confusion regarding the status of his employment. "I just figured Zac signed him," said drummer Chris Fryar, "and I don't guess Zac has paid him much mind and I haven't had time to ask because Zac's always cooking before and after shows."
The Zac Brown Band, Jesse Carlsworth in tow, hit Indiana, Missouri and Kansas through the weekend.
I won't be adding this Twitter block to the Wall of Honor. I'm actually pretty disappointed that the Texas Rattlesnake blocked me for a little smart-assing around. Maybe I should start a Wall of Shame.
I was just messing with you, Steve. Your taste is pretty good. The Rock's is a little better though.
By the way, check out Steve Austin's interview of Joshua Hedley on his podcast. They talk wrestling and country music, both sounding genuinely excited to be talking to each other. It's cool.
Usual disclaimers: This is Trailer's top 20. The year-end list will be compiled from all FTM contributors' votes. 3 more months to go - this'll change a lot by December.
1. Dallas Moore - Mr. Honky Tonk
2. Ashley McBryde - Girl Going Nowhere
3. Fantastic Negrito - Please Don't Be Dead
4. Ruston Kelly - Dying Star
5. Neko Case - Hell On
6. Blackberry Smoke - Find a Light
7. Caitlyn Smith - Starfire
8. John Prine - Tree of Forgiveness
9. Lucero - Among the Ghosts
10. Brent Cobb - Providence Canyon
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11. Joshua Hedley - Mr. Jukebox
12. Rolo Tomassi - Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It
