First listen through - so far, so good
Bucket | Colorado, USA | 04/06/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Buried Behind the Barn: lost & rumored out-takes, compilation tracks and alternate recordings.
I just finished my first all-the-way-through listen, and as expected, it is good. It is rather apparent that most (if not all) of these songs are from the SCAC we knew and loved from the "Always Say Please & Thank You" era - a brief departure from the edgy Gothic Americana of their 2008 release and return (for the most part) to a more country side of Slim, Munly and crew. While this is not my preference from this band (I am obsessed with the jarring sounds of Cipher), I truly can't complain... these guys are guaranteed to please. As the first reviewer, I have chosen to provide a quick run through of the 8 tracks:
1) Cranston - Seen 'em live? Then surely you know this song (usually the opener). I was a little sad that the pace of the chorus and the bridge wasn't a bit speedier as it is when played live. The volume and tension of the drums is also a bit disappointing. I suppose I prefer the punkier rendition of this song (still give it 5 stars).
2) Port Authority Band - lovely little tune. A somber country twang fades in and out through the song. Among the more "pure" country stuff I have heard from SCAC, I must say I truly enjoy this one.
3) Angel - über twangy, voice waverin', yodellin' country song. It's ok... reminiscent of Viceroy Filter King, but not as good (in my opinion).
4) Thirteen Crimes - no offense to my boys in SCAC but this song bores me. It picks up quite a bit for the chorus, and if I was only reviewing the chorus, I would say I enjoyed it. But Munly drones on too much for my tastes - overall, it's just alright.
5) Shady Lane - pretty darn good. Nothing too crazy, just a good story with dark overtones, which I truly appreciate from these guys, they do it so well.
6) Jackson - among my top 3 on this album. Quite sad, this song seems a lot more in line with the band's more recent stuff. Highly recommended for fans of the more recent SCAC.
7) Sister's Husband - AWESOME. I love this song, I can't find anything wrong with it - it exhibits SCAC's flawless progression formula (see Pine Box for an idea of what I mean by this), and this is why I love these guys.
8) Earthquake - one word: funkadelic. I like it.
Overall, I'd say it's a good buy. Certainly not the best album for someone who is just starting to get into the band though.
"
