Lambchop

From page 74 of Classic Rock Magazine April 2000



Cover of April 2000 issue.
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'Nixon' (City Slang 20152-21 *****

Various Artists

'Loose: New Sounds Of The Old West Volume Two' (Vinyl Junkie VJCD 1111 *****

What's your take on alt. country? Not exactly giving Shania Twain much competition is it? And Wilco in my opinion one of the best white bands in the world right now refuse to be associated with it.

So it's down to the second 'Loose...' and 17 generous tracks testify to a great talent pool.

Chicago surrealist duo The Handsome Family are as downbeat as ever on 'So Much Wine'; Arizona eccentrics Giant Sand return with 'Astonished (In Memphis)'; and Calexico's epic instrumental 'Tripple T' is a fine closing number.

Some of this doesn't quite convince, but any CD that opens with Lambchop is of interest. Nashville-based Lam bchop don't refer to Neil Young or Gram Parsons for influences.

Instead, they look to lush '70s country and soul to package Kurt Wagner's droll, beautiful wordplay. They're country only in terms of reference, being closer to Tindersticks or Randy Newman in reality.

And their album title? Richard Nixon's emblematic role in souring American dreams rather than any form of political commentary. Dark, meditative and consistently intelligent music.

Garth Cartwright

Maceo Patter
Lynch Mob






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