THE MOTHERFUCK'N SAINTS
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J.B. Beverly & The Wayward Drifters don’t fuck around. They don’t fuck w/ fancy production, radio friendly songs, or a phony image. Instead, J.B. & the boys do what they love to do: play straight forward, no frills classic American music.
J.B. himself comes from a hard punk background, playing w/ bands like The Little White Pills & The Murder Junkies. He sings with a voice that has been soaked w/ whisky, scorched by smoke, and weathered by the use & abuse of touring. However, he is just as much a vocalist as anyone else around.
When listening to “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” it is obvious that the musicians who make up The Wayward Drifters are playing for one reason; they live for this music. The classic country sound rings through out the whole album. Whether it be honky tonk songs like “Drinkin’ Bourbon” or tails of heartbreak like “Memories of You”, the vintage sound is present in all the songs. On top of that, a traditional bluegrass influence can be heard on songs like “Shoulda Thought About It”.
Although J.B.’s distinctive voice & the Wayward Drifters unprecedented musicianship make “Dark Bar And A Jukebox” a great cd, it is J.B.’s song writing that pushes the album above and beyond. J.B. brings classic country themes such as betrayal, lonesomeness, heartache, heartbreak, and sorrow to life (which is something few modern artist can do). You can tell J.B. has spent many long, lonely nights with no one but Cash and Hank Sr. to keep him company. It is also apparent that J.B. has lived through the hard times that he sings so convincingly about.
J.B. and his band bust their ass to make the music they make. They recorded “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” in only 29 hours. Equally impressive is the fact this band tours relentlessly. From their live performances, The Wayward Drifters have received much deserved acclaim. If you love live music with no strings attached, go support this band when they come through your town!
Chris Webster- THE MUTHERFUCKN SAINTS!
I don’t know what god Lonesome Wyatt prays to when he lays his weary head down to rest at night, but he should thank whatever higher (or lower) power he worships in his bedtime prayer for being blessed w/ one of the most unique voices in the history of modern music. Lonesome Wyatt & his comrade The Minster also should give praise for being gifted w/ their ominuos song writing ability. The bottom line is this: Those Poor Bastards are fuck’n great!
The world, myself included, would probably not know who Those Poor Bastards are if it weren’t for Hank Williams III receiving one of their demos at one of his shows. Hank, like the rest of us, was blown away w/ this completely new form of folk/ country. He was so impressed that he covered their song “Pills I Took” on his new album, Straight to Hell. God bless Hank for introducing us to this band!
Listening to Those Poor Bastards new release Songs of Desperation is a musical roller coaster. The opening track, “This Is Desperation”, is like walking down a psychedelic midway at a carnival that is being run by patients from an 1800’s insane asylum. Another track, “Drunk With Fear”, is a blend of ragtime era music w/ the darkest parts of new wave. Mix this in w/ a couple brilliant murder ballads such as “Among The Pines” and “A Bone To Pick” and you have one of the most original sounding albums that I’ve heard in half a decade. Every song is different and ever song is fuck’n unbelievable!
Lonesome Wyatt and The Minister's songwriting defy all categories of music. Some songs have the dark, brooding quality that Nick Cave is known for. Others have an eerie drone that sounds like an old country record being played at the wrong speed. Mix these haunting melodies in w/ Lonesome Wyatt’s voice (which is like blending Hank Sr., Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, and a lot of narcotics) and you have a concoction that the world has never seen.
I’ve played Songs of Desperation for everyone I can. The album is meet with either fear and uncomfortable silence or raving admiration. Either way, the power of this music evokes a strong emotional response from everyone. That’s saying something considering most modern music, especially that of the “new country” genre, evokes either the urge to yawn or vomit. Do yourself a favor and go to www.thoseporebastards.com & pick up a cd of one of the most origanl bands you will ever hear.
Chris Webster- The MOTHERFUCK’N Saints!
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Bob Wayne is an average guy. Looking at Bob, you’d think the only involvement he would have with this fucked up thing called the “music biz” is being a roadie (which he ironically is for Hank Williams III). However, there’s a difference between Bob Wayne & the rest of us average folk: he is a seriously talented musician & songwriter.
The songs on Bob Wayne’s Blood to Dust album range from vintage country, to bluegrass, to hard blues. Bob assembled a diverse selection of musicians ranging anywhere from members of Hank III’s Damned Band to the guys from Zeke to form his group, The Outlaw Carnies. This eclectic mix of musical styles and cross genre artists keeps the album from sounding repetitive and mundane like other albums by other self-proclaimed traditional country/ Americana bands. There aint no song that deserves to be skipped on this album!
What is most captivating about Bob Wayne’s style is his brutally honest song writing. The fact is you can’t write shit like this unless you’ve lived through some fucked up experiences. Bob poignantly tears through stories about addiction, heartbreak, loss, eternal damnation, and salvation (not to mention a couple premier murder ballads). Most people try & pull these songs off & end up sound cliché and trite. With Bob, on the other hand, you believe what he’s saying.
I’ve only had the opportunity to see Bob Wayne and the Outlaw Carnies in concert once. He was opening for Hank III and most of the people at the show, myself included, knew little to nothing about Bob. Nonetheless, his informal style and sincere stage presence drew the audience in & everyone was a fan by the end. But like I’ve said before, don’t take my word for it. Buy Blood to Dust from Bob’s website- www.bobwayneandtheoutlawcarnies.com. Also, when he & his Carnies come your way get the fuck out there and support!
Chris Webster- The MOTHERFUCK'N Saints!
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Nice review. If they are as good as you say they are -- and if the writing really is influenced by Cash & Hank Sr. -- I'm all over it. Where do I find them? Samples?
you know what i hate, is the strikeout thing.