RICHARD BUCKNER
Dents and Shells (Merge)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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I'm not a fan of the alt-country, Americana or whatever critics want to call this stupid musical ghetto. Most acts that fit in this genre come across as corny and disingenuous - and when there is so much classic country and roots music, why bother. Richard Buckner frequently is done the disservice of being placed in the aforementioned categories - which is too bad because his work is consistently some of the best in all of music.

His latest record, Dents and Shells, is yet another great record, once again on another label (Merge Records) and with another cast of musical collaborators. My initial response to this record was, at first, lukewarm. However, after listening repeatedly, the record has really grown on me. The opening track, "A Chance Counsel," is easily among his best songs. A driving beat is provided by former Butthole Surfers drummer King Coffey, who is accompanied by lush acoustic guitar, piano and pedal steel guitar. "Her" is another highlight, and illustrates Buckner's deft skill as a lyricist. He takes the often cliche themes of love and regret and renders the lyrics fresh and insightfully throughout the record. "Rafters" is as beautifula song as he has ever wrote, built on Buckner's gorgeous melody and bittersweet lyrics such as, "I pulled the rafters down, but the ghosts were only dropping." The rest of the tracks are almost equally outstanding. Once again, Buckner has created a record that transcends categorization - and is simply put a great record.

© 2004 - Sherman Wick