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There is nothing like watching a band grow
from seedling form to classic status. I often wonder, who will
be the artists that I look back on, like my dad looks back on
Led Zepplin and The Grateful Dead. There is just no doubt that
"Cracker" will be one of those bands. From their big
splash with "Teen Angst" back in '92, right up to today,
"Cracker" have always put out great music. Not trendy
music or novelty stuff, just really great rock 'n roll.
"Gentleman's Blues" is through
and through a "Cracker" album. David Lowery (lead vocals)
calls this record "a concept album about being in a band."
Encompassing everything that is "Cracker," from the
twangy southern sounds, to the driving anthem tunes, to the weird
and playful stuff, "Gentleman's Blues" encompasses
everything that has ever been great about "Cracker."
On this, the band's forth release, the
creative core behind "Cracker" remains unchanged: David
Lowery (vocals/gutair) and Johnny Hickman (lead guitar/back ground
vocals), both writing the songs, both sharing the spotlight and
featured spots. It's this consistency that has maintained the
true "Cracker" sound throughout the band's career.
Additionally on the record is long time bassist Bob Rupe, drummer
Frank Funaro and Kenny Margolis on keyboards and accordion. Guesting
on the record is keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike
Campbell (Tom Petty,) bassist Tommy Stinson (ex-replacements,
ex-Bash In Pop, Perfect), bassist Davey Faragher (Cracker), singer
Kristin Asbury (September 67) percussionist Charlie Drayton,
and singer LP (Lionfish).
Of the seventeen tracks on "Gentleman's
Blues," there is just not one bad or weak song. For different
reasons, each cut is great. "The Good Life," the records
first single, rocks with an innate classic sound. The kind of
song that feels like it's been on the radio for a million years,
even though it's a first time listen. "Star," with
it's heavy percussion and slinky slide guitar, slithers through
the speakers with an amazingly seductive sound. "Been Around
The World" incorporates a Bob Dylan type style and Hammond
organ (oh how I love Hammond organ.) "Lullabye" floats
softly on the sweetest key and string work to send any listener
off dreaming. "Wild One," inspired by Lowery's 4 year
old niece, showcases "Cracker's" ability to rock and
still maintain a playful sense of humor.
Between the release of the last album,
"The Golden Age," and the new "Gentleman's Blues,"
Lowery has also been busy with creative pursuits outside of "Cracker."
Producing projects for the likes of Joan Osborn, Lauren Hoffman,
Magnet and Sparklehorse, as well as co-producing Counting Crow's,
placing Lowery at the forefront of music on both sides of the
sound board.
There are few bands that are instant classics,
and few records that are must haves, but the fact remains, "Cracker"
is, and will always be, a classic act. "Gentleman's Blues"
is simply one of those rare records to come down the pike.
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