Old 97’s
Early Tracks (Bloodshot)
Taken from scarce or unreleased material going back as far as 1995, this Bloodshot disc explores the Old 97’s roots and finds the band sounding a bit more like a country band or even a rockabilly outfit at times. The kickoff, “Ray Charles,” combines Western-movie guitar with a train beat befitting the band’s name, and a busy break that threatens to turn into chaos for a moment. “W.I.F.E.,” on the other hand, is a country shuffle Old 97’s style, wearily bemoaning the plight of a man who’s married but doesn’t want to be. “Por Favor” is another locomotive chugga-chugga tune about running into old St. Peter on Judgment Day, with a feel that could almost pass for the Waco Brothers at times. The closer, a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Let the Train Blow the Whistle,” brings the band full circle, showcasing the Rhett Miller/Murry Hammond harmonies that have become the band’s trademark, along with a down-in-the-basement baritone twang-guitar solo. Those who find the 97’s a little weak in the knees (ahem) should give this a spin; it finds the band in considerably more raw and aggressive form. Those who find them charming and cute should listen to it so they’ll have a better idea of where they sprang from musically. It’s only eight songs, but even this admitted non-97’s fan had to start it over again after the last tune played. 
This article appears in May 19 • 2000.