I was recently in Seattle. What a fucking cool city! While I was there I took in a couple of shows but the one I want to tell you about here took place at the Showbox at the Market in down-town Seattle. Rhett Miller – what a fucking cutie, opened the show…just he and his guitar. Next came Those Darlins, and let me tell you, those chicks can rock! But the featured guests, who I went to catch, were the Old 97′s. This Dallas band is led by Rhett Miller on vocals and guitar – in case you didn’t hear me the first time, what a fucking cutie – and partnered with talented musicians Murry Hammond on bass as well as vocals, Ken Bethea (I may have been making eyes at Ken – and got a guitar pick for my efforts) on lead guitar and back up vocals, and Philip Peeples on drums and back up vocals. They were also joined by Jon Rauhouse on steel guitar for several numbers. The music is Alternative Country and they fucking rock!
The band is touring to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of their release of their album Too Far to Care. What I love about this album is that it is real. Easy to relate to because it speaks about real life experiences. This was a young band when the album was recorded and although its lyrics and music are intelligent and come from the heart it still possesses the hopefulness and fun that youth brings to music.
Salome although carries darker connotations. I find very easy to relate to as I leave a long term relationship. This song I could very easily get lost in and cry in my beer if I allow
myself to. It’s still fucking awesome to know someone else has felt the same way. Streets of Where I’m From is clever and fun and I have a few suggestions for where a boy with bad intentions could settle down, (for awhile at least, hehehe). Big Brown Eyes is a fitting song for 2012….as some believe that this year we will coming to end of days.
Regardless that it’s been 15 years since it’s release, the band is still having fun with it and the energy they projected to their audience was palpable. I of course sucked up as much as possible. I was dancing all night and they had us jumping when they opened AND closed with their popular song Timebomb! One word of advice though….jumping in high heels probably isn’t the best idea….
The Old 97′s have found their place amongst my favorites in Alternative Country along with Blue Rodeo and Murder By Death. Check them out! I bet they’ll find their place amongst your favorites as well! You can also get great insight on the band from their website at old97′s.com. I, of course have joined their fan list there!
by Cat Hennebury
