Snowdroppers - Too Late To Pray

MINE

Sometimes I think my husband hides music from me on purpose (YourZ sez: yes, this is exactly what I do.  I hide it in the big unobtrusive set of drawers next to the television cabinet where you would never think to look).  Was I in a bad mood when he brought this CD home?  Perhaps I had PMT or was displaying the "horns-and-teeth" mode my digestive system brings out when I've had too little to eat (I have an overactive pancreas and chronic low blood sugar).

Whatever  - I was delighted to hear the Snowdroppers as a support act when we went to see Wagons last month and puzzled as to why I hadn't heard of them before, given this album is in our collection.  It's a great CD, particularly the opening number Do The Stomp.  But I will say I'm probably more inclined to like it because I've seen these guys play live.  The lead singer's very easy on the eyes... and leaps about on the stage like someone's rammed a power cord somewhere unmentionable.  And what would you call the music?  Punkabilly?  Hi-NRG blues?  Ech, we eschew labels in our house, anyway.

It just goes to show, this project is going to keep on opening my ears to some great tunes.  I guess I can't blame YourZ for holding out on me for all the gems I uncover as we go along... (YourZ sez: phew!)

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

YOURZ

Another great band from my hometown, The Snowdroppers are also very new.  Too Late To Pray is their debut and highlights exactly what this band is all about: raucous, rollicking good time rock and roll.  And they are even more so live.  In fact, I can hardly wait to see them again, such was the impression they made.

While they might draw both their musical and fashion influences from the past, even down to their nom de plumes (Johnny Wishbone, Pauly K, London and Cougar Jones), their authenticity lies very much in the here and now - this is a well-produced recording, with songs about all manner of modern matters from drugs (Good Drugs Bad Women, Fucked Up), girls (Rosemary, Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms) and the nine to five dilemma (Do The Stomp), among other subjects. 

Musically, they strut the territory between punk and blues and pack a huge punch in doing so.  Often the instrumentation includes banjo and harmonica, but again, while this gives it a certain authenticity, it's not over-played or annoying as both these instruments potentially could be.  In fact, these only add to the whole flavour of the band.  So, if you're living in Australia and reading this, make sure you get out and see The Snowdroppers when they're in your town next.  You won't be disappointed.  For all you overseas readers, watch out because they could very well be coming your way in the future.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.snowdroppers.com/news

Wagons - The Rise And Fall Of Goodtown

YOURZ

Yeehaw, this is as close to liking country and western I get (except for the occasional Man In Black track or two).  Thank fuck bands like Wagons exist, because often times, the music of this particular genre is so much fun, it's almost irresistible, while the lyrics make me gag harder than a tight-throated hooker.  Wagons, thankfully, avoid hackneyed clichés such as this in favour of lyrics of a substantially darker nature.

The main attraction of this motley band of musical cowboys is their leader, Henry Wagons, who has a rich baritone and unbridled passion for his art (sorry about that pun).  Coupled with a great backing band, The Rise And Fall Of Goodtown is a listening pleasure, from the driving rock of opener Drive All Night Til Dawn, to the slow burning closer, Lightning.  The track listing jumps from more traditional country-sounding songs to darker, brooding tunes and also includes a faithful rendition of the Three Dog Night track, Never Been To Spain.

Sounding like a cross between Nick Cave and Merle Haggard, Wagons has slowly but surely gained popularity with relentless touring, drawing fans not usually drawn to country music.  They've also become a festival favourite, particularly known for their raucous live show, led by the big personality of their leader, whose take-no-shit attitude and humour have made him a favourite of the punters and provided the band with the title of Australia's lead alt-country act.  Can't wait to see 'em.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP, little dawgy

MINE

Country that isn't, this was a Christmas present from YourZ last year and came after we saw the lead singer on RocKwiz, our favourite TV quiz show.  Henry Wagons is bigger than life and has a voice to match.  It's a country album for people who don't like country music - like us.  Songs about trucks and mothers and how your old dog died don't feature in our collection.

But this album, featuring great tunes like Goodtown (very Stepford Wives-reminiscent) and Keep Your Eyes Off My Sister has no lyrics Nashville would condone.  In fact one description I've read labels the band as Gothic Country.  I can live with that - with a side order of humour and piled high with Rock.  They're touring here this month and I vote we go and see them. (YourZ sez: seconded!)

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.wagonsmusic.com/