Old 97’s
“The Grand Theatre, Volume Two”
Label: New West Records
Joe H.
Reviewed 2/26/13

Excellent comeback record for alternative country band that’s been playing for 15 years. Twangy punk in tone, with bizarre themes, this is their 9th studio album.

FCC violation on track 4, The Actor

*= favorite cuts

1 – (3:31) Brown Haired Daughter mid-tempo country rocker, twangy guitar, vocal harmonies, tasty guitar solo
2 – (3:14) I’m A Trainwreck* mid-fast tempo, searing electric guitar solo
3 – (3:04) Perfume mid-fast tempo lust song, tinkling piano solo
4 – (3:29) The Actor fast-tempo dark-themed rocker, power drumming, pulsating bass line, wailing guitar FCC: “shit” sounded several times
5 – (3:12) No Simple Machine* mid-fast tempo, crackling guitar solo
6 – (3:42) White Port* fast tempo, a capella beginning, anthem to drinking & independence, includes yodeling
7 – (4:01) Ivy* mid-fast, snarling guitar in the background, sounds almost like Dick Dale surf guitar, unison vocals
8 – (3:10) Manhattan (I’m Done) mid-fast, acoustic intro, unison vocals, New York tune
9 – (1:26) Marquita fast, driving guitar instrumental, over before you know it
10 – (2:41) Bright Spark (See What I Mean)* fast, driving drum & guitar riffs, rocker
11 – (3:36) Visiting Hours* starts immediately after earlier cut, fast tempo stomp, another drinking song, reminiscent of the Pogues
12 – (4:09) How Lovely All It Was* Upbeat tempo, nice vocals, pretty ballad
13 – (2:39) You Call It Rain mid-fast, funky guitar lines