THE BACON BROTHERS
Can't Complain (Zoe)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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With zero degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon, this CD is guaranteed at least some degree of success. Some people feel this is cause for snickering and water cooler conversations about The Bacon Brothers are probably less than kind, in general. I've heard quite a few snide remarks by people who, when pinned down, eventually admitted to having never actually heard the brothers. "But hey, you know... Kevin Bacon's an actor, man..."

Yep, an actor who was playing music with brother Michael long before he was making movies.

This is their third release since deciding to take it to a higher level, and while it may lose points with Americana purists for the many production flourishes, there's no denying the Bacons have put together a nice album here. Kevin's "Sooner Or Later," in fact, is one of the prettiest songs I've heard in some time, extremely well written and loaded with enough goose bumps for all of us. Most of the material is a bit mellow, but there's one great little rocker, again from the pen of Kevin Bacon, called "I'm So Glad I'm Not Married." The end of that thought is "to you," and it's proclaimed without hesitation or reservation. The song cooks, raising the temperature so you aren't too shocked by "Summer Of Love (Woodstock '99)," an up-tempo blues-rocker that seems to take a few good shots at the current alternarock culture. Good writing, good singing, oh look... Kevin Bacon again. Nothing against Michael's songs, I'm just finding Kevin's name every time I grab the liners and go looking, thinking "this is good... who wrote this one..."

Are they the best in the business? Nope. Do they have to be just because a famous actor is involved and you figure they wouldn't be here otherwise? They're Pretty damned good, folks. So before you spout your next opinion at the water cooler, pick this up and make it an educated opinion.

© 2001 - DJ Johnson