ALBUM REVIEW: Homespun Remedies "Great Depression"
Debuting at Dallas' famed Poor David's Pub in 2007 to a near-sellout audience, DFW-based Homespun Remedies soon released its self-titled debut and followed with the band's newest album "Great Depression" - which was released in June 2011. Through some quirk of the US mail, the review copy of "Great Depression" sent to Country Chart Magazine only just arrived a few days ago. Indeed, this is one Post Office miracle that is deserving of sainthood - yes the music is that darn good.
The album begins with the quiet introduction "Leave This Town" and is followed by "What's Goin' Round," which is mellow Texas country gold. The careful vocal performance and harmonies sound new but definitely pay homage to the past.
"Empty Pockets" has a retro-cool vibe while the next cut "Make Believe" is the album's biggest surprise. It is a folksy story in song that carefully blends Americana with classic country, and the result is music magic.
The upbeat "Good To Hear Your Voice" is a toe-tapping hit, and "Elegant Lie" offers a carefully nuanced vocal performance that works. It must also be mentioned that the instrumentation by Homespun Remedies is terrific on every track, but the musicians and their instruments may have been used most effectively on "Elegant Lie."
The album's best track is "Black Cloud," which has a singer-songwriter vibe and carefully builds to a rousing crescendo. The bluegrass-infused "Two Dollar Bill" is totally infectious fun, and "Wide Is The River" is an interesting story in song. The album ends with a Red Dirt cut appropriately titled "Parting Shots." The throwback style of the track is terribly interesting, and the vocal performance showcases passionate intensity.
No one is going to accuse Homespun Remedies and its terrific album "Great Depression" of being boring. Quite the contrary, the album is at times a musical masterclass that challenges the very concept of Texas country music. The only great depression to be suffered here is that the Post Office waited so long to deliver this CD and the fact that fans must wait for another album (hopefully coming soon) from these good ol' Dallas boys. CountryChart.com
"Empty Pockets" has a retro-cool vibe while the next cut "Make Believe" is the album's biggest surprise. It is a folksy story in song that carefully blends Americana with classic country, and the result is music magic.
The upbeat "Good To Hear Your Voice" is a toe-tapping hit, and "Elegant Lie" offers a carefully nuanced vocal performance that works. It must also be mentioned that the instrumentation by Homespun Remedies is terrific on every track, but the musicians and their instruments may have been used most effectively on "Elegant Lie."
The album's best track is "Black Cloud," which has a singer-songwriter vibe and carefully builds to a rousing crescendo. The bluegrass-infused "Two Dollar Bill" is totally infectious fun, and "Wide Is The River" is an interesting story in song. The album ends with a Red Dirt cut appropriately titled "Parting Shots." The throwback style of the track is terribly interesting, and the vocal performance showcases passionate intensity.
No one is going to accuse Homespun Remedies and its terrific album "Great Depression" of being boring. Quite the contrary, the album is at times a musical masterclass that challenges the very concept of Texas country music. The only great depression to be suffered here is that the Post Office waited so long to deliver this CD and the fact that fans must wait for another album (hopefully coming soon) from these good ol' Dallas boys. CountryChart.com