Easy [Bonus Tracks]

Performer: Cowboy Mouth
Engineer: Rich Isaac; Rich Isaac
Producer: Jim Ebert; Jim Ebert
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Cowboy Mouth: John Thomas Griffin (vocals, guitar, keyboards, vibraphone, percussion); Rob Savoy (vocals, guitar, bass, percussion); Paul Sanchez (vocals, guitar, vibraphone); Fred LeBlanc (vocals, guitar, drums, percussion). Recorded at Cue Recording, Falls Church, Virginia. Cowboy Mouth: Paul Sanchez (vocals, guitar, vibraphone); John Thomas Griffith (various instruments); Rob Savoy (bass guitar); Fred LeBlanc. Personnel: John Thomas Griffith (vocals, guitar, keyboards, vibraphone, percussion); Paul Edward Sanchez (vocals, guitar, vibraphone); Fred LeBlanc (vocals, guitar, drums, percussion); Rob Savoy (vocals, guitar, percussion). Audio Mixer: Jim Ebert. Recording information: Cue Recording, Falls Church, VA (07/27/2000); Irving Plaza, New York, NY (07/27/2000). Cowboy Mouth just wasn't made for these times, but they're inextricably part of them. They are very much a product of the late '90s, dabbling in lightly funky beats, loud post-grunge guitars, soulful funk, rap-like alliteration, postmodern jokes, and loose-limbed jams, but their spirit seems to be from another era, when groups toured for months and years on end. In short, they're a bit like a cross of Sister Hazel and Barenaked Ladies, tempered with the soul and character of a '70s journeyman band. That makes them somewhat less than hip, but on their third major-label album, Easy, they're more interesting than some of the trad rock and jam bands they're usually grouped with. That doesn't mean that they're easier to digest for listeners not acclimated to this sound; the occasionally overwrought singing, occasionally pedestrian songwriting, and the occasional joke, plus the too carefully considered production keeps Easy at a bit of a distance for the uninitiated. Still, it's hardly a bad record and the best moments do show that the group members are capable songwriters (the bouncing, Brit-styled "Everybody Loves Jill" is a clever highlight), and the whole thing suggests that they would be a really good live band. But here, they only show part of their potential. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Cowboy Mouth just wasn't made for these times, but they're inextricably part of them. They are very much a product of the late '90s, dabbling in lightly funky beats, loud post-grunge guitars, soulful funk, rap-like alliteration, postmodern jokes, and loose-limbed jams, but their spirit seems to be from another era, when groups toured for months and years on end. In short, they're a bit like a cross of Sister Hazel and Barenaked Ladies, tempered with the soul and character of a '70s journeyman band. That makes them somewhat less than hip, but on their third major-label album, Easy, they're more interesting than some of the trad rock and jam bands they're usually grouped with. That doesn't mean that they're easier to digest for listeners not acclimated to this sound; the occasionally overwrought singing, occasionally pedestrian songwriting, and the occasional joke, plus the too carefully considered production keeps Easy at a bit of a distance for the uninitiated. Still, it's hardly a bad record and the best moments do show that the group members are capable songwriters (the bouncing, Brit-styled "Everybody Loves Jill" is a clever highlight), and the whole thing suggests that they would be a really good live band. But here, they only show part of their potential. [Valley Entertainment reissued the album in 2005, adding a pair of live tracks yet subtracting a trio of interludes.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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