Old 97’s
Graveyard Whistling
ATO
Mar 09, 2017 Web Exclusive
With Graveyard Whistling, Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller is his most comfortable self, mic-slinging in the stirrups of a rowdy, fleshed-out sound. Thanks to his boys, who by no small feat have been at it for nearly 25 years without a single change-up, Miller and Co. can be their best bad-boys-next-door, showcasing their signature rock and roll alt-twang as naturally as they breathe Texas air.
They play on Graveyard Whistling almost as they played on their first album (1994’s Hitchhike to Rhome). The songs are undeniably likeable, their likability almost formulaic, yet still surprisingly retaining a fresh-faced charm. When we look beyond the formula, we proceed to be consensually smuggled.
From the tongue-in-cheek two-step, “Jesus Loves You” to the spaghetti dustbowl, “Good With God”—featuring the razor-eyed vocal storm of Brandi Carlisle riding in like a burning carriage through the clouds—there is plenty to love and smirk about.
“All Who Wander” is a reflective sparkler, the big band skirting the floor, and Miller’s sultry huff-and-puff gazes cheekily over fabulously sawing guitars and rambunctious drums on “I Don’t Wanna Die In This Town.” If you are not convinced by the closer, “Those were The Days,” to shake your feet and feel your bones sway and get a little loosey-goosey, then you best go see a doctor. (www.old97s.com)
Author rating: 6/10
Average reader rating: 8/10
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