Search - Say Zuzu :: Every Mile

Underrated Gem

songoose | philly, pa USA | 11/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Say Zuzu's Every Mile is a phenomenal alt country record. If this album had been released in the mid 90's along with other classics from Son Volt, Wilco, Old 97s, etc., it would probably be far more known by fans of the genre. Zuzu's lyrics are about driving, drinking and lost loves, but their descriptive tone makes sure that these topics don't become stale. "I traded the dishes for an '83 wagon / Had my dad take a look under the hood / He said, 'Take my old gas can, check the oil / You should be good", guitarist Jon Nolan croons gloriously on "Wish Me Well", the standout song on the record. The simple, undeniably catchy guitar riff from "Well" is one of those riffs that makes kids want to pick up a guitar in the first place -- a bastard country cousin of The Replacements "Can't Hardly Wait" -- and an air guitarist's dream.



Later in the record, a five song stretch from "Blue to Here" (track 6) to "Doldrums" (track 10) rocks and rolls the listener without one flaw. Some Highlights: "Blue", similar to a one-hit-wonder on classic rock radio that makes sitting through all the Eddie Money and Journey cuts worthwhile - a song that instantly gets the foot tapping every time you hear it. "Sugarbowl", a slower number, which features a banjo riff sure to enter the body at your toes and not stop until it has infected your spine. And finally "Doldrums", a superb rocker that captures the pulse of small town boredom to a T.



Say Zuzu has two vocalists - and it definitely helps this record (and the band) pull together. Nolan's harder rocking tunes intertwine beautifully with Cliff Murphy's melancholy vocal stylings. The rocking Zuzu is definitely this band at its best, although without the slower numbers as compliments, the rockers would not be as powerful. All together, it makes a great package."