Search - Natchez Shakers :: Shaker Hymns 2

Celtic bluegrass country punk!

Brian Gilroy | Drexel Hill, PA | 02/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"From start to finish this cd is a lot of fun! SHAKER HYMNS No. 2 is a reckless, rowdy affair that never lets up. Heavily inspired by the POGUES, the NATCHEZ SHAKERS combine the energy of punk, with the traditional instrumentation of Bluegrass and Irish music. Banjos, mandolins, accordians, and tin whistles have never sounded this good! The pub rocking begins with the energetic, banjo driven song "A Prayer From the Hills." The song's layers of instruments and punk rock attitude sets the stage for the rest of the cd. With it's rockabilly inspired upright slap bass intro and ska flavored guitar playing, "LIVE LIFE AGAIN" takes their musical journey one step further. The intensity of the music is well complemented by the singers passionate vocals on this track. The slightly mournful, but no less powerful track "The Changeling" is the only slow point on the cd. While it may not have you dancing, this track is still worth a listen. The one thing that definately makes this cd work is it's very loose, live feel. The vocalists don't always concern themselves with singing in key, and while the musicianship is top notch, the band sounds like they could fall apart at any moment. This carefree approach to music is all part of the bands charm. This is what makes this cd so much fun!"

Good stuff

Lin | Lenoir City, TN USA | 04/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These guys are really good. I know Joey and Anna (guitar/vocals and mandolin) personally, and I have seen the Shakers play several times. These are some people that really know how to have fun. All of their music is recorded live in the studio; no multi-tracking. They want to keep the energy intact. And believe me, there is a lot of energy. And just so you know, Joey and Jamie are 2 of the threesome that is indie-punk band The Wednesdays. If you are a fan of The Pogues or punk, you will like this album."