Old 97’s
Venerable Texas country-rockers the Old 97’s have made several visits to Memphis in recent years, performing well-attended gigs at the Levitt Shell, Minglewood Hall, and the “old” Hi-Tone. Having recently celebrated both its 20th year together and the release of a very good new album, the band returns to town again this week — this time for a gig at the Hi-Tone’s newish location on Cleveland.
Aptly titled Most Messed Up, the Old 97’s latest offering finds the group exploring familiar musical and thematic territory, but with an edge the band hasn’t had since (arguably) its best effort, the revered 1993 LP Too Far to Care. Frontman Rhett Miller, never one to mince words, has penned a sharp and fun collection of new tunes rife with self-reference, tales of late-night debauchery, sing-along choruses, and a whole slew of f-bombs. Song titles like “Wasted,” “Intervention,” and “Let’s Get Drunk & Get It On” should give some indication of the level of discourse. And what’s more, the band behind him is once again in fine form. Drummer Philip Peeples’ train-beats are as in the pocket as ever, bassist Murry Hammond’s melodic playing and stratospheric backing vocals provide a nice backdrop, and lead guitarist Ken Bethea’s licks are blistering and perfectly discordant.
