This Is BR549

by BR5-49

Overview

Nashville upstarts BR5-49 have become known for their hybrid of old-fashioned Western swing, slick country pop, and punk-infused honky tonk, however, on their fourth release, This Is BR5-49, they start by straying closer to the young country side of the industry. The first half of the album seems to lag behind the beat, not in a lazy, porch-sittin' manner, but in a "prime for a slick CMT video" manner. The first single, "Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal," chugs along passionlessly. Similarly, the distortion-laden and tremolo-heavy cover of the Everly Brothers' "The Price of Love" might work well in concert with some live energy behind it, but on CD it lumps along, in desperate need of a carrot held in front of the horse. The incorporation of pop culture references have worked in the band's favor on their previous albums ("Little Ramona," "Bettie Bettie"), but their social and political commentaries on "Psychic Lady" and "A Little Good News" would get 'em thrown offstage at both Gilley's and CBGB; not because their topics are controversial, but because they are boring. About midway through the album, starting with the Gary Bennett-penned "While You Were Gone" (the record's best cut), they start cookin'. Here, the record steps into the groove and focuses on their familiar pedal steel up-tempo Swing as opposed to the slicker sound dominating the first half. The barn dance toe-tapper "Fool of the Century" would do Bob Wills proud, and the upright bass-led "Look Me Up" is in line with the truly inspired stuff they recorded in their days at Robert's Western Wear. As unfortunate as the first half is, the flip side hides some true gems, making the more cynical country fans wonder if side A was engineered by Nashville suits and side B is more along the band's original vision. Either way, the album is a toss-up, with its share of unfortunate cuts and real winners. ~ Zac Johnson

Product Details

Release Date:	06/26/2001
Label:	Lucky Dog / Sony Music Distribution
UPC:	0696998545625

Tracks

1. Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal
2. The Price of Love
3. The Game
4. Psychic Lady
5. Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)
6. A Little Good News
7. While You Were Gone
8. Look Me Up
9. Let's See How Far You Get
10. Fool of the Century
11. Different Drum

Album Credits

Performance Credits

BR5-49   Primary Artist
Chuck Mead   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background),Vocals
Don Herron   Banjo,Cello,Dobro,Fiddle,Guitar,Mandolin,Pedal Steel,Guitar (Steel),Lap Steel Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic)
Gary Bennett   Guitar,Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Paul Worley   Guitar (Acoustic)
Mike Poole   Guitar (Acoustic)
Shawn Wilson   Drums
Hawk Shaw Wilson   Drums,Vocals,Percussion

Technical Credits

Chuck Mead   Composer
Eric Conn   Digital Editing
Charlie Black   Composer
Rory Michael Bourke   Composer
Denny Purcell   Mastering
Tommy Rocco   Composer
Harlan Howard   Composer
Gary Bennett   Composer
Paul Worley   Producer
Billiken Johnson   Art Direction
Don Everly   Composer
Jeffrey Steele   Composer
Phil Everly   Composer
Nick Lowe   Composer
Mike Poole   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Carlos Grier   Digital Editing
Paige Conners   Production Coordination
Renee Fowler   Stylist
Jim Shea   Photography
Erik Hellerman   Engineer,Assistant
Beth Kindig   Art Direction