Search - Old 97's :: Fight Songs

Sour grapes from the old-timers

Michael Hann | London United Kingdom | 02/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was on holiday in Seattle in June 1999. In a record shop I flicked at a copy of No Depression, with Old 97's on the cover. They'd had nothing released in the UK and so, curious, I went over to the racks and picked up 'Fight Songs'. I didn't get to hear it until I returned home - which meant I foolishly not to go and see Old 97's playing in Seattle the night I bought the album. Because what a corker it is. Once I became aware of the 'the old stuff is much better' argument that seems to beset the band, I bought all the other albums, too. And this shines head and shoulders above them. Instead of the scuffed, adequate y'awlternative of those first few records, 'Fight Songs' is a delightful excursion into country-inflected pop. Those who argue otherwise are, presumably, embittered - as so many Wilco fans were - by 'their' band refusing to stay in the box that had been designated for them (we've all been guilty of this - I felt that way about The Smiths when they started breaking when I was a teenager - and we are all wrong to do so). There can be no other explanation for the ire directed at this record. It doesn't sound like the Eagles, it's not bland, it's not a sell-out (it doesn't sound like a chart album). It's just not a badly-produced hoedown record. It is, in fact, a crisp, clear statement of pop intent, with several wholly delightful songs ('A Murder Or A Heart Attack' being just the crispest, cleanest and catchiest) given terrific arrangements and a great production job. To read the knockers, you'd think Rhett Miller had started ripping off Poison. Dear God, fellas, get over it. Why encourage your heroes to wallow in mediocrity just so no-one else gets to like them?"

I adore this album...

Sheri | Virginia | 11/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot stop lstening to this CD. I had not heard of them until about three months ago, now they are on constant rotation on my cd player, in my car, at work....I am an addict. This is a fun, singable, listen all the way through type of CD. My only regret is that I only recently found the Old 97's. If you are in the mood for something different than what is on the radio, but still fun, this is the CD to have."

Songs about love and loneliness

Damon Navas-Howard | Santa Rosa, CA USA | 08/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, "Fight Songs" is a radio-friendly album and not so honky tonky as their other albums but it still is a great album. I don't really listen to the Radio anyways so I could care less if these songs are overplayed or not. This album has an all around certain mood that brings the listener back to the mood of a Johnny Cash or Tom Waits record. It's the feeling of loneliness, desolation, last cigarette and shot of whiskey, my girl's just left me, ands I'm stranded in this God forsaken boring town. The music style is Alternative (I hate using the term but it is) with Country tones. It isn't fully Country so don't worry. The lyrics and mood are what make this album so great. Take for example this beautifully chilling lyric from "Lonely Holiday": "I've thought so much about suicide, parts of me have already died. Lonely, baby I'm not lonely, baby I'm not. I got my imaginary friend..." I don't know how many times I've listened to "Lonely Holiday" when I've been depressed. Other great songs include: "Oppenheimer", "Murder (Or Heartattack)", and "Nineteen." There are a few dragging parts at the end but the songs listed above make the album worth buying. A lot of fans consider this a "Sell out" album but I think it may be their best. Give it a chance on a moody day."