As the son of country singer Bobby Bare, Bobby Bare Jr. surely has heard a healthy smattering of classic Nashville country. The band that bears Junior's name keeps a hint of that upbringing in the alt-country sway of "Toba... more »cco Spit," "Patty McBride," and "Love-less," (which features the elder Bare on backing vocals). But like their musical forefathers, '80s cowpunks Jason & the Scorchers, Bare Jr. prefer the severe crunch of an overdriven amp than pleasing any Country USA purist. Even Tracy Hackney's dulcimer makes use of the menace of a distortion pedal. The Neanderthal stomp of "You Blew Me Off" whipsaws like grunge straight outta Seattle. Bare himself has two singing modes: a deep country drawl and a wiry, out-of-control whine like that of a Southern cousin of Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis. When he sticks with the former, Bare legitimately moves the family legacy up to the alt-country bar and into the '90s. --Rob O'Connor« less
As the son of country singer Bobby Bare, Bobby Bare Jr. surely has heard a healthy smattering of classic Nashville country. The band that bears Junior's name keeps a hint of that upbringing in the alt-country sway of "Tobacco Spit," "Patty McBride," and "Love-less," (which features the elder Bare on backing vocals). But like their musical forefathers, '80s cowpunks Jason & the Scorchers, Bare Jr. prefer the severe crunch of an overdriven amp than pleasing any Country USA purist. Even Tracy Hackney's dulcimer makes use of the menace of a distortion pedal. The Neanderthal stomp of "You Blew Me Off" whipsaws like grunge straight outta Seattle. Bare himself has two singing modes: a deep country drawl and a wiry, out-of-control whine like that of a Southern cousin of Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis. When he sticks with the former, Bare legitimately moves the family legacy up to the alt-country bar and into the '90s. --Rob O'Connor
"I recommend this album very strongly. I purchased after hearing "You Blew Me Off", and quickly found that their were a half dozen better cuts than that. I can't stop listening to "Naked Albino", with its incredible melody and lyrics, and "Loveless", "The Most", "Nothing Better to Do" and "Tabacco Spit" are superior to 95% of what you'll hear on rock radio. I'm not sure the amount of cross-over appeal the album will have, but my kids only had to listen to a few cuts to request I play it in the car. It has supplanted Third Eye Blind as their favorite. I didn't know who the heck Bobby Bare, Jr. was before buying the album. Now I consider him a songwriting genious. I've always loved Jason & The Scorchers and Dash Rip Rock. This album is more rock than rockabilly, and the freshest sound I've heard in a long time."
Bare Jr. rocks all though out this album!
llcoolj7@aol.com | San Antonio, Texas | 05/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm gonna be honest here, Bare Jr. definitely isn't for everyone. They get a very unique sound from the use of the dulcimer. I saw these guys when they opened for the Black Crowes in Houston. They were greatly unappreciated in my opinion. I got to meet Grimey and Tracy Hackney after there show and they were very nice towards me. They even signed my ticket for me. The reviewer who said that Bobby Bare Jr. is obsessed with 17 year old girls obviously doesn't understand "male drive". Highlights include "The Most", "Faker", "Love-Less", and of course, "You Blew Me Off." If you are into hard rock with a bit of country, this cd is for you."
GREAT
mattthedude | St. Louis, MO United States | 01/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was first introduced to Bare Jr. and this CD while I was doing some work with a friend. Most of his music dominated the stereo for the two days we spent working, and most of it was unfamiliar to me. After one listen to this little gem, the lyrics were trapped in my head. They remained trapped in my head for several months until I asked my friend the name of the band, and consequently the next day I purchased this CD.
It was all I remembered and more! The harsh vocals, the powerful guitar and dulcimer play, and of course the wit filled lyrics. Every song on this CD is Great!
It wasn't until a year or so later that I had the privelege to see these guys live, and not enough can be said about the experience, and energy of their live show. I also HIGHLY recommend their other masterwork, "Brainwasher", and the new step in Bobby's career, his "solo" work as The Young Criminal's Starvation League. Although quit different from his previous BAre Jr. work, the song writting is tremendous (and may posses a little more maturity), the music splendid and of course the energy is all there (just listen to the live tracks on "OK...I'm Sorry" or do yourself a GREAT favor and GO OUT and see them play if they come within 200 miles of your home town!"
Kickin'
Andrew Welsh | dallas | 10/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Really like this. An edge to the otherwise bland alt/country genre"