THE GOURDS
Cow Fish Foul Or Pig (Sugar Hill)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Listening to a new CD from the Gourds is the musical equivalent of putting on your most comfortable shoes, some well worn jeans and knocking back a six pack of longnecks with some good buddies. The music the quintet of Texans cranks out isn't always tidy. Like the floor of a quality honky tonk, there are bound to be some spills and stains, but if the company's congenial and the beer's cold, it doesn't matter.

That relaxed feel is deceptive, though. The songs are crafted carefully, and these guys are cracker jack musicians. It's just that they're not so careful that they sacrifice the fun of listening by creating music so polished that you're more busy looking for a coaster to set your bottle on than you are enjoying what's happening around you. What's happening in this case is 16 new songs from one of the best bands the Austin scene has ever produced, along with a surprise inside. Likened to what the Band would have been if infected with the spirit of Doug Sahm, this is Americana at its best.

Did I say six pack up there? Hell, make it a half rack, and have yourself one helluva time. The Gourds are back, and that's good.

Track List:

My Name Is Jorge * Roll And Tumble * 1st In Line * Foggy Blossom (Mechanical Bride) * The Bridge * Ants On The Melon * Hellhounds * Blankets * Short Guy Spiritual Rap * Bottle And A Dime * Right In The Head * Ham-fisted Box Of Gloves * The Prayer That Fell Upon The Mirror * Best Of Me * Sweet Nutty * Ceiling's Leaking * Smoke Bend

© 2002 - Shaun Dale