OLD 97s
Early Tracks (Bloodshot Records)
Reviewed by Bill Holmes

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As a history lesson for latecomers, Bloodshot pries open the vaults and unearths some Old 97s tracks from out-of-print singles and the Wreck Your Life sessions. Hell, we're talking digging up stuff from last century, folks! Now major-label guys hoping for half the attention they got from their former label, the band is in full jangly cowpunk mode on Early Tracks, especially on the searing opener "Ray Charles". Rhett Miller was a strong songwriter even then (check the brilliant "W.I.F.E."), but covering the likes of Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash never hurts, either. Drummer Phil Peeples deserves extra mention for never letting up for a nanosecond; I imagine he has to ice himself down after every song.

Eight tracks clock in at a brisk twenty-five minutes, but since you're going to hit the repeat button right away, you can get in two full spins and a few yee-hahs while your loser roommate wastes an hour watching "The Practice" or "Who Wants To Be An Idiot".

© 2000 - Bill Holmes