Title - 'Hit by a Train: The Best of Old 97's' (Rhino)
Artist - Old 97's
If you like Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown or Ryan Adams or just great country tinged rock, you'll love the Old 97's. Although if you like any of the above you probably already know the Old 97's. Rhett Millers's songwriting is great. He has that lyrical ability that writers like Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and later on Ben folds have, which is to be completely funny and sarcastic in a profound and ironic way and he writes killer melodies with great hooks. Like any great songwriter he has a great band. Ken, Murray and Philip are great. The Old 97's are one of the most consistent bands around. I mean, if you like one CD you'll probably like them all. This is definitely worth picking up. Even if you don't like country you might still like them for they have as much of a Replacements, Stones, Costello influence as they do The Byrds or Gram Parsons. My only complaint was this 'Best Of ...' is that is doesn't contain the songs 'Big Brown Eyes,' 'Wish the Worst' or 'Won't Be Home.'
www.Rhino.com
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