Search - The Gourds :: Haymaker!

Haymaker!
The Gourds
Haymaker!
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

''Gourds Music'' has its next chapter. Unclassifiable Austin sons The Gourds are back with Haymaker!, the crooked cousin to their critically acclaimed last album, Noble Creatures. On Haymaker! the band circles back, digs b...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: The Gourds
Title: Haymaker!
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Yep Roc Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 1/6/2009
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: Americana, Roadhouse Country, Country Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 634457219526

Synopsis

Product Description
''Gourds Music'' has its next chapter. Unclassifiable Austin sons The Gourds are back with Haymaker!, the crooked cousin to their critically acclaimed last album, Noble Creatures. On Haymaker! the band circles back, digs beneath and climbs over their gin soaked music roots with an album of grass-fed cosmic country. Rattling flourishes of soul, swamp rock and gospel rhythms spill out all over the place. Psychic songwriting apparatus Jimmy Smith, Kevin Shinyribs Russell and Max Johnston continue their chronicling of askew Texas characters who populate the subterranean Lone Star State, a world of 'Fossil Contender's', 'Luddite's', 'Valentines' and women with skin like chocolate milk, so beautiful they make married men feel no guilt. Haymaker! will undoubtedly slake the thirst of hardcore and fledgling Gourds fans alike and tip unsuspecting ears to the colorful Texas thump being laid down by this legendary band.

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CD Reviews

Tidier, more focused, and less divergent
loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 01/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here I go again, trying to find the right words to shape into a review of a Gourd's recording, this time their 2009 "Haymaker." The temptation, as always, is pile on the adjectives and dig through the thesaurus, so I'm going to try to keep this one lean and mean.



If you have been keeping up with the Gourds for some time, the best surprise here is that the music seems tidier, more focused, and less divergent than on some of their previous forays. A strong Tex-Mex seasoning permeates many of the tunes, and most of the rest have a smoky country flavor. The ballads that dominated their last album, "Noble Creatures," are not in favor here, as the band tends to get wound up and keep things rocking. And that means Jimmy Smith's tracks overall are a bit stronger than Kevin Russell's contributions this time out---but Max Johnson has penned a pair of fine tunes as well.



The Gourds have always been a sort of musical jambalaya, and nothing has changed (fortunately) as banjo, guitar, keyboards, accordion, drums, mandolin, and more combine with those (by-now) well-recognized vocals and harmonies. (Figuring out the lyrics will have to be left to bonfire and beer scholars who can focus their energies on such matters---I just appreciate the writing for its oddball insights and imagery.)



If you are looking for surprises or odd-ball stuff, don't expect anything as overt as their cover of Gin `n Juice. "Haymaker" delivers a more subtle punch and requires some burn-in time before you realize what a very good recording it is.

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Another fine recording from America's finest musical ensembl
M. D. Barry | Northeast, AR USA | 01/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"As other reviewers have noted The Gourds of Austin, TX are kind of hard to pin down or label musically. Don't let that minor technicality worry you one bit. One reviewer used the term "musical jambalaya", and that comes pretty close to encompassing the sound of The Gourds.



These guys are the real deal when it comes to "good music", and this latest studio release from them is a fine effort in a long line of "fine efforts". Do yourself a favor; buy this album, and try to catch a live show. You will not be disappointed....be sure to bring your dancing shoes."
Haymaker and a Half!
E. Furrer | New Jersey | 01/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've read this is the best Gourds album yet. Upon listen 2, I think it may very well be - and that is quite a feat. I love the production - sounds very steady and even - like its played live and in a few takes. The fact that a Max Johnston track and the last one on the album (Tighter) is my top tune, really shows a strong, strong album is here."