Search - Contenders :: Contenders

A Halt on the Road to Freedom

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 02/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a set recorded between 1976-1978, "The Contenders" sounds remarkably fresh & up-to-date, but then good music is always going to be well received! Produced by Don Dixon, the sound is crisp. Contenders' wonderful harmonies enliven the disc throughout, bringing to mind bands like Eagles or Poco whose harmonies were at the heart of their sound. My favorite track is the pop explosion "Silver Cup" with bassist Steve Runkle's high-pitched vocals and the band's harmonies bolstering this unique melody, "What kind of story -- what kind of alibi did I leave behind? I came to a halt on the road to freedom, a four way stop on the road I was on." DesChamps Hood's bluesy "Chain of Emotion" packs a gospel wallop on a tear-in-your-beer melody designed to milk the quarters from the jukebox. The guitars interplay delightfully on "Dim the Light," "She might be drinking with your best friend's wife, next time you look it's something special, next day you notice she's the light of your life." "Talk" is a flat-out old-style rocker, "Everybody likes my new girl friends a lot better than I do." The last three tracks were recorded after the release of the original LP that comprises most of this disc. "Volcano" has another great fluid melody that approximates a country-jazz. "Contenders" is a wonderfully strong set from one of the great bands that should've been. Don't miss this one! Enjoy!"