Search - Antietam :: Burgoo

The most underrated band in America

Frazer Dobson | Atlanta, GA United States | 01/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, maybe there are other bands that could compete for this title, but, as I've said elsewhere, Antietam boasts in Tara Key the best female guitarist ever, and one of the best playing today. That said, "Burgoo" ain't their greatest (for that, check out "Rope-a-Dope"; their other classic, "Music from Elba," is out of print but may be available from Homestead), but it is certainly worth it. "Burgoo" was the first Antietam album in several years, coming years after "Elba", and it featured Antietam as a trio instead of a quartet. (Second bass player Wolf Knapp left the band, but has popped up on Tara Key's solo stuff.) The sound is remarkably restrained--if "Rope-a-Dope" is Antietam's rock album, this is their folkiest. "After the Tide" is a nearly perfect piece of pop songcraft, and "Eaten Up By Hate" works up a little lather. "Naples" is a beautiful love song, but it's so hushed that it's almost hard to hear. Other highlights are "Something's Happening" and "Hesitation." The disc does lose steam at the end, and the sound quality on the cd could be a little better, but "Burgoo" is still well worth it for guitar-indie fans, or anyone else. I'm going to keep proselytizing for this band until someone listens....Buy this and "Rope-a-Dope," and then search for their other lost classics like "Elba" and "Everywhere Outside." Tara Key's solo albums are mighty fine too."