Published on Mar 8, 2000
As much as I can appreciate country music and I do enjoy the
work of many artists in the genre, I happen to like my country a
little bit goofy. I don’t mean a la Ray Stevens (though his
“Everything Is Beautiful” is an outstanding track), but more of a
country-fried pop with a sardonic sense of humor about it. I think
that’s what led me to fall in love with The Bottle Rockets – and
what’s led me to now trip over my own tongue to find words of
praise about The Hollisters.
Their latest disc
Sweet Inspiration is more country than pop/rock, and that’s
fine. But there’s a pleasant back-handed approach to the music that
is endearing to me – almost as if vocalist/guitarist Mike Barfield
and crew are forcing themselves to not take themselves too
seriously. Thank God for that.
The band – Barfield, guitarist Eric Danheim, bassist/vocalist
Denny “Cletus” Blakely and drummer Kevin “Snit” Fitzpatrick – have
a nice, laid-back approach to their music that almost obscures the
fact that they’re dedicated to their craft. Cuts like “Fishin’
Man,” “Love Rustler” and “Drinking For Two” all make sure to keep a
light-hearted air to the music. Barfield often sounds like he could
be a dead ringer for a younger Johnny Cash, especially on tracks
like “Holes In The Road (Dumptruck),” arguably one of the best
songs on the disc.
But
Sweet Inspiration would probably fall flat if there weren’t
some more middle-of-the-road offerings to balance the fun. This is
where tracks like “The Last Picture Show,” “Walk ‘Em Off,” “Little
Ole You” and the title track come into play – and they do not
disappoint in the least.
What is special about this disc is that there’s something for
almost everyone to appreciate within these 13 songs. There are more
country-oriented songs for the purists, and there are tracks that
could well turn sworn haters of “yee-haw” music into listeners who
want to learn more. The Hollisters have been blessed with a special
gift in their music; here’s hoping they are given the opportunity
and the audiences to share it.
I’m hesitant in a way to draw comparisons between The Hollisters
and The Bottle Rockets, for the simple reason that I don’t want to
imply there’s been any liberal borrowing of ideas musically.
Stylistically, their songwriting is in the same camp, but these two
bands have their own unique identities. All either band –
especially one like The Hollisters, who haven’t had the benefit of
being on a major label in their career – ask for is a chance from
the listening public. My challenge: give ’em a chance. I’ll bet
you’ll soon be ordering their other disc online.
Sweet Inspiration is a pleasant disc that begs for more than
one listen – and you’ll be happy to oblige that request.