Early Tracks [EP]

Performer: Old 97's
Engineer: Chuck Uchida
Producer: Old 97's; Chuck Uchida
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: EARLY TRACKS is a collection of songs previously available on 45's, as well as previously unreleased songs. Old 97's: Rhett Miller (vocals, acoustic guitar); Murry Hammond (vocals, bass); Ken Bethea (guitar); Philip Peeples (drums). Recorded at Attica Studio, Chicago, Illinois in 1995. A collection of out-of-print seven-inch singles and previously unreleased tracks, Early Tracks exhibits the Old 97s' uncanny ability to play witty, memorable, country-rock that chugs along at a freight train's pace. Despite the fact that this EP has been pieced together from spare parts, the material is surprisingly strong. With its unrelenting twang and Rhett Miller's nimble wordplay, "Ray Charles" would have fit perfectly into place on Wreck Your Life, while "Cryin' Drunk," a swaggering track that is stylistically similar to "Just Like California," would find Too Far to Care to be a better fit. Bassist Murry Hammond makes strong contributions, handling lead vocals on "Sound of Running," "Harold's Super Service," and a cover of Johnny Cash's "Let the Train Blow the Whistle." Also present are the dynamic "Por Favor," a swaying, breezy version of "W.I.F.E.," and the devilish "Eyes For You." Early Tracks is sure to please fans pleading for a return to the days before the pop sheen of Fight Songs, as well as those who just can't get enough of this truly arresting and irresistible quartet. ~ Michael Frey

Old '97s are one of the key bands from the second (post-Uncle Tupelo) wave of alt-country. The Dallas natives made several albums' worth of fine, twang-filled rock music before abruptly switching gears for 1999's FIGHT SONGS and 2001's SATELLITE RIDES, albums that owe more to Matthew Sweet than to Merle Haggard. The band returned to a rootsier sound on subsequent albums, although front man Rhett Miller's solo work, particularly 2005's THE BELIEVER, remained steeped in pop tradition.

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