Old 97's
NewMusicforOldFolks says …
Just because we're old doesn't mean we're above a little debauchery now and then. When you're ready to drink a little too much and make some bad decisions (not too bad, some of us have grandchildren), this is the band for you. The Old 97's have been on the cusp of being a big deal for about 20 years now and it may be the debauchery that's holding them back. The new album, Most Messed Up, includes songs like "Let's Get Drunk and Get it On," "Holiday Girl" and "Intervention." Then again, it may just be that they're too good for the main stream. Whatever the reason, this is a fun band.
Artist's Info
Website: old97s.com
See them live: Tour dates
Record company: ATO Records
Genre: Rock, Alternative Country
If you like this, look into: Drive-by Truckers, Alejandro Escovedo, Cracker
Bio (From the artist's website)
Although they became one of the most enduring bands in the alternative country-rock catalog, Old 97′s drew inspiration from a broad range of genres, including the twangy stomp of cowpunk and the melodies of power pop. Formed in 1993 by frontman Rhett Miller and bassist Murry Hammond, the group spent the bulk of the decade posed on the brink of mainstream success, issuing albums that often drew warm reviews but never yielded a substantial hit. Old 97′s tightened their sound as the decade drew to a close, retaining their bar-band vigor while introducing a stronger pop/rock sound on albums like Too Far to Care and Satellite Rides. Miller also mounted a solo career in the early 2000s, but the band remained together nonetheless, continuing to release material with their original lineup intact into the following decade. Miller and Hammond first partnered up in 1989, when Miller enlisted the latter’s help in producing his debut solo album, Mythologies. Although six years younger than Hammond, Miller proved to be a dedicated musician as he canvassed the Dallas club circuit, playing an blend of folk and British-styled pop to local audiences. He also displayed a knack for storytelling, having previously earned a creative writing scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College. One year after Mythologies‘ release, Miller and Hammond teamed up once again, this time as part of the short-lived Sleepy Heroes. (more)
Spotify sampler
Recordings
Most Recent
MOST MESSED UP (2014): Most Messed Up finds the Old 97's at their raucous best, all swagger and heart, and just a little bit tipsy. Titles like 'Wasted,' 'Intervention,' 'Wheels Off,' and 'Most Messed Up' hint at the kind of narrators Miller likes to inhabit, men who possess an appetite for indulgence and won't let a few bad decisions get in the way of a good story.
OTHERS
Hitchhike to Rhome (1994)
Stoned / Garage Sale (with Funland) (1995)
Wreck Your Life (1995)
Too Far to Care (1997)
Fight Songs (1999)
Early Tracks (2000)
Satellite Rides (2001)
Drag It Up (2004)
Alive & Wired (2005)
Hit by a Train: The Best of Old 97's (2006)
Blame It on Gravity (2008)
Mimeograph EP (2010)
The Grand Theatre, Volume One (2011)
The Grand Theatre, Volume Two (2011)
Old 97's & Waylon Jennings (2013)
