Cowboy Mouth is really all things to all people. Their brainy, sweaty mix of novelty songs, delicate psychedelia, glam, classic rock, and roots gets better and better over time. It's rare in a band that has had such a long... more » run to maintain such brash energy and enthusiasm. While the New Orleans-based band hasn't settled down into a single groove or genre, the musicianship has been tightened up as the players tame some of their former manic energy into a more coherent musical statement. "Trouble" sounds like a missing Kiss track and is a damn sight more interesting than what the painted warriors are turning out lately. The muscular guitar licks, rather misogynist sentiments, chugging bass, and bombastic drumming is a throwback to the days when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, and that is a good thing. "Bad Girl" is a hoot, if only for the aside: "Who cares if Michael Stipe is straight or gay." Cowboy Mouth has finally captured the breathless fun of their incendiary live shows. --Jaan Uhelszki« less
Cowboy Mouth is really all things to all people. Their brainy, sweaty mix of novelty songs, delicate psychedelia, glam, classic rock, and roots gets better and better over time. It's rare in a band that has had such a long run to maintain such brash energy and enthusiasm. While the New Orleans-based band hasn't settled down into a single groove or genre, the musicianship has been tightened up as the players tame some of their former manic energy into a more coherent musical statement. "Trouble" sounds like a missing Kiss track and is a damn sight more interesting than what the painted warriors are turning out lately. The muscular guitar licks, rather misogynist sentiments, chugging bass, and bombastic drumming is a throwback to the days when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, and that is a good thing. "Bad Girl" is a hoot, if only for the aside: "Who cares if Michael Stipe is straight or gay." Cowboy Mouth has finally captured the breathless fun of their incendiary live shows. --Jaan Uhelszki
"My friend from Louisiana got me hooked on Cowboy Mouth two or three years ago. Since then, I have compulsively bought every single CD that they have made, including all of their EPs, Fred LeBlanc's solo album, as well as Paul Sanchez's solo album. Over their year, I think their sound has changed a lot. Their newest CD, "Uh Oh", is by far their furtherest departure from their original sound, and this time, I think they might have strayed a little too far. "Uh Oh" is certainly catchy. The songs are very hummable, and it makes great background music. But to me, this CD sounds over produced. They obviously had a lot of fun with the mixing machines, and other sound effects in the studio, which I think detracts from the truly excellent singing that this group does. I have seen them live four times, and these guys do not need sythesizing to sound good. Also disappointing is the overwhelming number of Fred songs on this CD. It seems like there are fewer tuns fronted by the other band member on this CD, as opposed to the other CDs. I was especially surprised the Fred was the one fronting the song "Invincible", as that is one of Paul Sanchez's songs from his solo album.All of that being said, there are some redeeming elements. We finally have a studio version of Trouble, a song that has been a hit in concert for the last couple of years. The last track on the CD, "Bad Girl" is also really excellent. If you love the Mouth as I do, you should pick up this CD. Because - let's be honest - any CD by Cowboy Mouth is worth listening to. If you are just getting started with Cowboy Mouth, I would recommend Are You With Me or Easy before purchasing this album."
You won't say "Uh-Oh....
gingher | Houston, TX USA | 08/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...why did I buy this?", after you hear it. You'll be SINGING "Uh-Oh" at the top of your voice!! And with every listening it gets better. Combining powerful tracks like "Invincible", "Disconnected" & "Senseless" with fun bouncy tracks like "Bad Girl" and "Tell the Girl", it gives you a glimpse of the range of this band. Give the album a listen, and the next time the Mouth comes to your town, come check 'em out LIVE. I promise you won't be sorry and chances are, you'll leave spreading the word of Cowboy Mouth!!"
Only thing better would be LIVE!
lorimonster | Atlanta, GA United States | 09/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cowboy Mouth is a band with extreme energy and enthusiasm. The new CD "Uh-Oh" lets a lot of that wild, take no prisoners energy through. That being said, if you are new Cowboy Mouth fan, or are just trying to find a new band to listen to, do not make up your mind about Cowboy Mouth until you have seen a live show. While their music can stand on it's own, the complete immersion of a Cowboy Mouth show is the stuff that new fans are made from. Do not miss them if they tour anywhere near you. It is an event like no other."
Uh Oh gets it done
Kristi Mackay | Aumsville Oregon | 08/16/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cowboy Mouth-Uh OhThe world became a brighter place a few days ago, I managed to find a copy of the newest Cowboy Mouth release, "Uh Oh". It is currently in repeat mode on my stereo, I am feeling the need to hear the songs over and over. This is an album that will make you feel good all over! If you don't know who Cowboy Mouth is, here is a little history lesson....They are Fred LeBlanc, John Thomas Griffith, Paul Sanchez and newly added to the fold, Mary LaSang. The band hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, and are Damn Proud of it!!!! The band got their name from a play by Sam Shepard called "Leisure Suit", in it, there is this great line..."Rock and roll Jesus with a Cowboy Mouth". They have been rocking the world for over a decade and taking no prisoners along the way. I discovered them while they were on a co-headlining tour with fellow NOLA band Better than Ezra, I instantly fell in love with their energy, music and stage presence. I would have to say they are the best live band ever! So there is a bit of knowledge, now onto the review of the new album. The 1st track, which is a Beatles tune, you most likely will not recognize as such. "Tomorrow Never Knows" comes on and just makes me want to start moving parts of my body. At first, I thought, "hmmm, this is not quite what I expected..." but by the second listen I was singing a new tune. The 2nd tune, "Disconnected" feels like a hit song waiting to be heard , poppy and fun, but if you pay attention to the lyrics you may realize that this song could be about you. I truly hope this is the album that finally catapults Cowboy Mouth into the spotlight. All of the musicians in the band write and perform solo and with other music projects and they also bring all those styles to the board, so there is variety to the album. Griffith's "Can't Stay Here" is a tale of heartbreak and escape. Sanchez's "Senseless" , is the sleeper hit of the LP and the best song on the album has to be "Invincible" Written by Griffith and Sanchez, It pulls you in and makes you feel the words as if you were there from the beginning. It's powerful and thematic and I know it makes me like I too am Invincible! I know that Cowboy Mouth is probably new to many of you that could be reading this review, but I would recommend this album as a starter to their catalog, because it is quite appealing to the masses. There are some fun and silly songs, such as "Bad Girl" and the title track "Uh Oh", and also more serious fare such as "Trouble" and "Senseless", But all in all, this is a nice release that will give you a glimpse of the band. There is nothing like seeing CM live, It's like a religious experience, they will make you dance, sweat and get on the floor like no other band has ever done, but until you can get tickets to that show in your town.....get "Uh Oh" and rock out in your living room. Kristi Studer"
The Mouth, Mouth Off
redstarlettexxx | Huntsville, AL | 08/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been in love with cowboy mouth since the first time i ever heard them live. I found myself thinking, "I never knew it was possible to have so much fun at a concert for a band that I have never even heard much from." However, because I love them live so much, I have always been skeptical of any studio album they present. I was excited by the release of "Uh-Oh," but i was prepared for what i thought was inevitable--nothing would ever even compare to seeing them live. This album blew my mind in so many ways! there is the perfect combination of the classic cowboy mouth southern rock meets just an ever so slight bit of twang sound with newer "head boppin'" catchy tunes. The boys never disappoint with witty lyrics and riffs that you feel deep down. I do however have to still stick to my original claim that no studio album will ever come close to matching the energy and emotion of a live CM show. However, the feeling i get from this album, has put me into a heightened state of anticipation for the next time the Mouth will be coming through town. I cannot wait to hear the stage version of these amazingly unique tunes. If there is one thing i can count on from the Mouth, besides a stage show that makes me forget about yesterday and not worry about tomorrow it it that they are unlike anything else out there that i have heard! This is a great album for anything anytime!"