Castigated in 1964 by the few critics who even bothered to mention them for their bad attitude and total lack of seriousness (which was the whole point), the Holy Modal Rounders are now recognized as the first underground ... more »group, the first alternative country band, and the band that presided over the shotgun marriage of folk and psychedelia. As the Rounders promised in 1963 while banging each other over their heads with their cowboy boots, "We will bury you!" (Which is the whole point).« less
Castigated in 1964 by the few critics who even bothered to mention them for their bad attitude and total lack of seriousness (which was the whole point), the Holy Modal Rounders are now recognized as the first underground group, the first alternative country band, and the band that presided over the shotgun marriage of folk and psychedelia. As the Rounders promised in 1963 while banging each other over their heads with their cowboy boots, "We will bury you!" (Which is the whole point).
Fred P. (beeman07) from CLINTON, MI Reviewed on 1/16/2009...
I own most of the Rounder's albums. They're all fun - in their unique psychedelic folk way - but next to their first two albums this album is my favorite. It's hard not to sing along from the beginning track "Happy Rolling Cowboy" to the end. It always puts a smile on my face.
CD Reviews
Always an important event in folk music.
A Tarot Student | 07/21/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Rounders addicts will need no coaxing to purchase this, their best music since the legendary Prestige recordings of the early '60s. For the rest of you, get those first (now available on one import CD). Then buy this one.It's utterly delightful and mad music which taps deeply into the same wellspring of weirdness and joy found in the Harry Smith Anthology, Captain Beefheart or Charles Ives.More alt. than alt.country, more American than Americana. . .Let the Rounders bend your brain."
The Boys are Back in Town
Ted Connor | New York, New York United States | 10/31/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Holy Modal Rounders are back! Returning to the near form of their first two Prestige releases, the Rounders have put together a joyous set of exuberant, foot-stomping revelry. Still interpreting music with one foot in tradition and the other (we're assuming they have two feet) in their own universe, the Modals are modestly transporting us to their reverent yet fun-filled world. Borrowing and updating from the first two classic albums; Euphoria, Sail Away Ladies and Crowley Waltz, plus a few eccentric originals, mixed with renderings of tunes from friends (Robin Remaily and Michael Hurley) and more customary fare from blues, country and old-timey, the pair, with bassist David reisch, still haven't lost the ability to put a smile on your face. When need be, they can play it straight, as in the heart-rendering version of Roy Acuff's Precious Jewel. This record is a very satisfying musical collection of esoterica which comes close to matching the originals in spirit and form. If you want to just kick back and enjoy yourself, you certainly can do no worse than putting this CD in the player.As much as you might, try and stop that grin from appearing after a couple of notes. If you really want to double your pleasure, read the booklet as you listen. Good stuff!"
Surprised!
imestx | Muscle Shoals, AL | 05/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've read lots of glowing reviews about these guys, but I didn't believe it. So I took a chance, and I love it. Although, at first I wasn't so sure. You see, the playing on the album threw me off. I was expecting something else. But thats the whole point. the banjos and guitars and the vocals all sound off the cuff and spontaneous to me. Its so refreshing to here the fun they're having with "euphoria" and others...they are making classics like the old songs they covet from the harry smith anthology. Its so cool after listening to the polished product that prevails in the market. Let's hope the next album takes less time.... somebody give Peter Stampfel a grant !"
The Holy Modal Rounders Exist and Are Real
imestx | 02/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A creativity inspiring mix of music and fun - you'll be singing these songs all day long. Weber, Stampfel, and Reisch perform at a strange and wonderful level that was too briefly visited on some previous works. Arguably their best album yet, (except for their Unholy appearance on Have Moicy) from an incredibly long, yet hardly prolific career. It left me wanting to hear more and knowing I wasn't crazy for liking all those other albums."