Album Reviews: Futurebirds - Baba Yaga

By Matthew Martin

According to Futurebirds' website, the making and shopping around of the new album was a massive headache and seemed to be doomed from the beginning.  Thus, the name, Baba Yaga.  Baba Yaga is a witch in Slavic folklore who could be either good, bad, or ambiguous.  Luckily for us, good prevailed, and the album was able to see the light of day nearly 2 years after it was begun.

One thing that really grabbed me about Futurebirds the first time I heard them was the reverb that drenched every song.  Also, the reckless abandon that permeates out of the songs like any moment things might fall apart.  The whole thing could just collapse.  Maybe the reverb holds everything together.  Whatever it is, I want neither attribute to change for the Futurebirds.

When the first song, "Virginia Slims" kicks in on Baba Yaga, it's clear that we have the same Futurebirds.  You get the distinct feeling that maybe this was all recorded in a church with no air conditioning.  The heat of the South seems to drip from every player in the band.  

Trading off vocal duties, each track feels very familiar, but very distinct.  The straightforward country-rock of "Tan Lines" differs from the slow-burn, dare I say, psychedelic rock of "Death Awaits." The great thing about Futurebirds is they know how to make these styles fit perfectly side-by-side.  They transition, with ease, from one style into another.  

Lyrically, this feels a lot more mature than previous Futurebirds albums.  Themes run the gamut; from death ("Death Awaits") and relationships ("Keith and Donna") to odd character sketches ("American Cowboy").

For many, the reverb added to the vocals is somewhat of a turn off as you can't quite pick up on some of the lyrics.  There is a feeling that it was not mixed correctly.  But, this is part of the charm that I find in the Futurebirds recordings.  If you're curious as to the level of reverb, think My Morning Jacket's The Tennessee Fire. 

For me, this is one of the best albums of 2013.  It's perfect music for a hot afternoon; to just sit on your porch or patio and drink a beer or 3.  This set of songs sees Futurebirds hit their stride and not let up.  The band has benefited from years on the road and has grown into a tight-knit band, albeit a tight-knit band that loves playing closely to the edge.  

Go listen to the album here.  Not sure how much longer it will be up, so do it quickly and discover your next favorite band.

Also, pick up their previous albums here and the new album here.

RIYL: My Morning Jacket, Shovels & Rope, Dawes, Calexico

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New Video: Earl Dibbles Jr. - Country Boy Love

Earl Dibbles Jr. has a new video out and it's another humdinger. From Granger Smith's new album (#1 on iTunes country today), Dirt Road Driveway, here's Earl with "Country Boy Love." Probably not safe for work...

Honest Radio Promo Ad: Thomas Rhett

Album Review: Dallas Moore Band - Blessed be the Bad Ones

By Jeremy Harris

My excitement to get a full listen to this album was pretty high and other than an initial problem with the download, (satellite internet stinks) I was not disappointed. The album kicks off with the perfect starter song for a Dallas Moore record which is also the title track "Blessed Be The Bad Ones." From the first line "To the nights I can't remember and the things I won't forget" you know you're in for a modern-day outlaw country trip into the honky-tonk of your mind. This track provides the perfect cadence and subject matter for Dallas's vocals and rolls into the next track "Sometin' Changed" quite nicely.

     Track 3 provides a faster-paced song in "Where You Gonna Be When I'm Gone" that kind of catches you off guard on the first listen, but quickly becomes a tune you'll listen to over and over. Dallas comes in at well above adequate with the rasp in his voice actually dropping to an all time low on this one. The female backing vocals are also spot on. If they would actually play it, FM radio would benefit from this song. "Slippin' and Slidin'" continues with the upbeat pace that rolls you right into "Texas Tornado" for that perfect made for a honky-tonk song that ends up breaking into a bit of a name dropping session, but will be forgiven since it mentions Hillbilly Jim (of WWE and SiriusXM Outlaw Country).

     The classic tale of a good person that stumbles in life rings through in "Condemned Behind The Wall." Dallas provides a fresh approach to something that's been written about multiple times and provides a good sing-along and pleasant listen.

     Coming in next is "Dirty Rotten Filthy." In my opinion, this along with "All of Those Good Times" are the weakest songs on the album. Without strong context they might bring the album down a notch or so, but luckily each is followed by new versions of classic Dallas Moore Band songs. ("Carolina Sunshine" and "Crazy Again," respectively.)

     I'm hoping if you've made it this far into this review, you don't need to know much about "Carolina Sunshine" or "Crazy Again." For those unfortunate souls that aren't familiar with these two songs I'll say this: They're awesome and this may be the best version of "Crazy Again" I've heard. "Carolina Sunshine" is slightly lacking compared to the previous versions I've heard, but is still high in quality for sure.

     The final two tracks "The Ballad of Sweet Marie" and "Last Man Standin'" couldn't be more different from each other, but somehow they perfectly compliment to each other. From down and out, murder, and self realization to on top of the world in 8:22 to wrap up the album the way it should be. In the last track Dallas may provide the one line to describe his style of country music perfectly in the lyric "I was a stone cold stunner and a midnight runner cranked up way past 10."

     In closing, if you're a fan of anything Dallas or The Dallas Moore Band have put out in the past, buy this album. If you're not, it's time to give them a second chance. If you're not familiar with The Dallas Moore Band but perhaps a fan of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, 70's and 80's Hank Jr or anything Whitey Morgan this album should be on your list to purchase.