Published on Jun 5, 1998
K-Tel and various “collection” records documenting the passage
of a musical era can be viscous judges when it comes to “one hit
wonder” bands. I laughed, almost spilling my beer when I saw the
“Hair Metal” series. I laughed at the immortal “Freedom Rock” ad on
TV. But, the 90s collection made me wince like I sucked on a
grapefruit after sipping Newcastle.
“90s Rock!…featuring Deadeye Dick with ‘New Age Girl’, Better
than Ezra with ‘Good’.” Then, they put Cracker in that collection
with their semi-hit, “Low”. Ohh…stop right there, boys. That
can’t be right. But in every sense, it is. Cracker did not have a
hit after “Low”. They’re too rockin’ for the country-alternative
crowds who dig Sun Volt. And they’re too countryish for the
electronica-leaning bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage.
Lead singer David Lowery has a memorable voice that draws
comparison to Tom Petty. Lowery also has the wit and experience to
make Cracker a definitive “alternative” band of the 90s. His last
band, Camper Van Beethoven, was one of the founders that have
spawned more successful acts like Matchbox 20. Still, Cracker is a
fairly safe band. It’s the type of music that you’re accustomed to
in jukeboxes in sports bars and your run-of-the-mill college bars.
More than enough classic rock with just a dash of something
different to make them relevant in today’s world.
That all said,
The Golden Age, their last album, was a commercial letdown.
Never mind that it sold more than all of Camper Van Beethoven’s
albums combined. But, when
Kerosene Hat went gold, record execs thought this album
would be a million seller. While
Kerosene Hat may have had more inspiring moments,
The Golden Age is a more well-balanced album.
Johnny Hickman and Lowery have improved in their chemistry to
make a compelling guitar duo. The countryish sounds of “How Can I
Live Without You” and “Big Dipper” are perfect for people who like
the genre, but just aren’t ready to start a Wilco/Uncle Tupelo
collection. And their punk roots are evident in “100 Flower Power
Maximum”, sort of a hippie/punk/whiskey ranting number.
With all the genres covered in
The Golden Age, it’s easy to take pot-shots of the album.
Bands like Bush and Sugar Ray try new directions such as
electronica or ballads and try to chalk it up to experimentation
when it really is just a sham to sell more records. And
The Golden Age has classic rock, country-alternative and
hard rock plus a nifty duet with Joan Osborne in “Nothing to
Believe In”. The difference? Lowery has a track record. After over
fifteen years in the business, Lowery deserves to let loose and
play it safe with
The Golden Age.
Violins keep popping up throughout much of
The Golden Age. The swelling sounds veer dangerously into
sentimental cheese, but are constantly off set with Charlie
Quintana’s subtle percussion work. The strings are best used in the
beautiful last track, “Bicycle Spaniard”, a great summer backyard
porch sitting song.
What does all this mean? In essence,
The Golden Age is a good album. If you’re a fan of the band,
it’s a must buy. If you think Cracker is a one hit band, this album
probably won’t change your mind. Maybe a few more risks or a
genuine outburst of inspiration, like the drunken-sprawl anthem of
“Eurotrash Girl”, off of
Kerosene Hat could have elevated
The Golden Age from a really good album by Cracker to a
really good album of the 1990s. Sadly enough, it looks like Lowery
may be headed back into obscurity. They sound about as fit for
modern rock radio as Soul Asylum sound right now. In a good way
though, this means Cracker has more freedom than ever to become one
of the great hidden-gem bands of the 1990s. With little pressure
from the label to turn out a hit, 1998 may indeed be
The Golden Age for the band. In the meantime, check out this
1996 gem.