Haymaker!

凄いバンドです。テキサスのバンドでこれが12作目。初期がブルーグラス、ジャグバンドな感じではあったが、他の若手バンドとは違って強烈なキャラクターを持ってはいてた。よくThe Bandと比較されていたし確かに共通した部分もあるが、最近の彼等は他のバンドと比較するのが不可能な完璧なる独自のルーツロックを表現している。まだまだマイナーな存在ではあるが、キャラクター的にも実力的にも最も優秀なロックバンドだと断言してしまいたいくらい本作はとにかく素晴らしい。前作ももちろん名作だったが、若干彼らにしてはポップな仕上がりであり、新たな境地へ歩を進めていたが、本作は、とにかく愉快、痛快、軽快なカントリー。テックスメックス、ブルーグラス、ファンク、ブルース、全部ぐちゃぐちゃにして全部飲み込んで、それを土台にして、そしてそれら全部が見えないくらい巨大な彼等のキャラクター、独自性で覆い隠して、大きなロックンロールに昇華している。意図的にＢ級な部分や、壊れすぎない寸前のはちゃめちゃ感、適当さを出しつつ恐ろしくタイトなバンドサウンドが普通じゃない。2人のソングライティンチームも本作では更にレベルアップしている。ポップで馴染みやすい愛らしい楽曲が目白押し。非の打ちどころがない名盤。

Die CD kam wie vom Händler beschrieben als einwandfrei NEUWARE bei mir an. Ohne jede Einschränkung weiterzuempfehlen ! Gerne wieder !

I am a devotee of Doug Sahm and so I decided to check out the Gourds after hearing them on satelitte radio knowing they were big fans of the Texas Tornado. Not knowing their CD's I decided to take a chance on Haymaker. Like Sir Doug himself, the band likes to mix it up - playing some country, rock and tex mex in their own musical sense. I cant get enough of that roots music. The musical eclecticism on Haymaker is also reminscent of Levon Helm's work from the Dirt Farmer period and that is not a bad thing. For my taste, the playing is good and the music is on solid ground but the overall production and performance seemed a little restrained. Maybe it was my predisposed expectations but I think a live in the studio production would amp up the fun factor on this album. Needless to say I am hoping for great things from the Gourds.

First of all, I'm glad this album is a significant step up from the disappointing "Noble Creatures." Nearly every song is solid. I've always been more of a fan of Kev's songs, and every one of his contributions is strong. Jimmy's "New Dues" and "Bridget" are great, and might be his best contributions since "Decline-O-Meter," "Illegal Oyster," and "Spanky." The rest of his songs are par for the last few albums, which is to say they're not very good.I'll take back my wish for Max to write more songs. "Valentine," with maybe the exception of "Wired Ole Gal," is the worst Gourds song to ever make an album. I gave it three tries, but it got worse the more I listened to it. Unfortunately, "Tighter" isn't much better; neither song is even as good as "On Time" and nothing is even close to "Blankets" or "Omaha."The problem I have with this album is, although there are many good songs, there aren't any stand-out excellent songs. No "Burn the Honeysuckle," "Pill Bug Blues," or "Cracklins." I'd have to say "Country Love" is the best song on the album, with "Shreveport" and "Tex-Mex Mile" coming in second and third. Overall, I would put this album just above "Noble Creatures" and right below "Heavy Ornamentals."Unfortunately, this album reinforces my theory that The Gourds hit their peak at "Cow, Fish, Fowl or Pig," and they just haven't been able to muster another truly great album since.

I have only recently been introduced to The Gourds, but "Haymaker" is one of my favorite albums of 2009. There is really not a bad tune on this album. All the tracks are quality and the lyrics are very interesting. My personal favorites are "Shreveport", a Cajun, rock/country melody with hilarious lyrics, "Country Love" with a catchy rhythm sing-a-long lyrics, and "All the Way to Jericho". But, how can you not like a song about Luddites? Then there is "Thurman", "Fossil Contender" and several others. The album plays like a live album even though it is not. You won't regret picking this one up, I will guarantee that.

Selfishly, I don't want the world to find out just how good the Gourds are because then I might be forced to see them only at very large venues. But hey, if you have not listened to a Gourds' CD, get one now, and this is a good one to start with. Bluegrass/blues/country - good music, good lyrics - all around great band.

Unique sound.

The most underrated Texas band of the century, this one and last. I love Bridgett and want to meet her! Colorful powerful poetic music that is fun and easy to listen to.

Awesome sound .Love this CD

These guys are great! Catch a listen to some rock, hillbilly, alternative, country. I love Jimmy's voice! Thurman!

One of their best

Love this album especially the first track. All songs are great though. Probalby my favorite album by The Gourds. Also it plays great.