Well, I guess under the better late than never theory, let’s announce the Newsome.Org record of the year for 2009.
This will surprise no one who knows me well or has ridden in my truck in the past 9 months or so. In my semi-humble opinion, the best record released in 2009 was Let the Lead Fly (purchase and download @ Amazon) by the Wrinkle Neck Mules.
This record is alt. country in its finest form. Not that crappy Americana stuff that has invaded XM-12 and other so-called outlaw radio. This is the real deal, in writing, playing and singing. If Son Volt had stayed together in its original form, they would have eventually gotten around to making this record.
The record starts off with a bang, literally and figuratively, with the title track, Let the Lead Fly. This is about as good as a song gets, and the fiddle at 2:35 sends a shiver down my spine, even after a hundred or so listens. As a hunter and sporting clay enthusiast, this song has a special attraction for me. In fact, I used it for a video largely comprised of pictures of me and Cassidy shooting clays.
Other great songs are Medicine Bow, which really channels early Son Volt, and One Hand in the Furnace, which has a lead banjo track that really, really works. Things drag just a tad in the middle, but pick back up nicely with the fantastic Cracks and Seams.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the record ends with maybe my favorite song, Before the Rise and Fall.
I’ve bought every record the Mules have released, and they are all excellent. Great songwriting, great playing, fantastic singing. Very few filler songs.
If you like alt. country or good music in general, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check out this excellent record, as well as the rest of their work.
More Record Reviews.
How About a Free Copy?
I really want to support the Wrinkle Neck Mules, so here’s what I’m going to do. Leave a comment telling us your favorite record from 2009-date. In a couple of days, I’ll randomly pick two of the commenters (three if we get more than 15 recommendations) and buy them a copy of Let the Lead Fly via Amazon.
Share some record recommendations, and get some free music.
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