You could say that The Old 97's have come of age; 21 this year, this Texan four-piece alt-country gang mark the milestone with an album that celebrates with impressive élan all the dodgy proclivities that storyboard their loose-fitting infectious songs. Songwriter and singer Rhett Miller's salty seasoned view of the world is coloured by expletive-laden pithy humour and happily twisted insight ("rock stars were once such mythical creatures, up there with presidents, playmates and preachers.…"). His three comrades, notably guitarist Ken Bethea, are clearly of a like mind and they power these lessons of life on the road with twangy intensity and stylistic nods to the likes of the Clash and the Pogues. The 12 tracks are bookended by the wry rockumentary twins, Longer Than You've Been Alive and Most Messed Up, but there is no shortage of great songs. A cracker no less. old97s.com
Download: Give It Time; The Disconnect; Most Messed Up