Cracker - Gentleman's Blues

Beware the cry of critics everywhere: Cracker have run out of material. But hold on, not so fast. On the fourth recording from this eclectic roots-pop quartet, frontman David Lowery may indeed address the topic of success, celebrity, and the life of a rock band (i.e., his life), but that's hardly saying he's at a loss for originality. With characteristic irony, these 16 songs sprawl across a landscape of misbegotten fame, lost love, even religious faith. The opener, "The Good Life," is vintage Cracker, replete with throbbing percussion and frontier twang. From there, Gentleman's Blues undulates its way through the retro-Americana reminiscence "Been Around the World" and thrusts guitarist John Hickman on the mic for the bluegrassy "Trials and Tribulations" before finally settling into the irresistibly tender strains of the title track. That kind of Cracker soul will never grow old. --Nick Heil Amazon.com

stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't miss this standout album by the greates band (still touring)in America.
"SEVEN DAYS" has the funniest lyrics to be found in a rock and roll song!
With songs like "TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS" and "WEDDING DAY" they beat the STONES at their own game.
and on the hidden track 24 they introduce one of the greatest new voices in music.
DON't Pass ON THIS ONE! February 16, 2008

THIS IS MORE ABOUT THE AMAZON SELLER doolicity THAN THE CD! BEWARE OF THE SELLER doolicity

I enjoy the band Cracker and have no issues with their releases. I just wanted to make a note to potential buyers, if you are buying used DO NOT use the Amazon seller doolicity. I have ordered from them several times and EVERY SINGLE TIME they come in as THE SLOWEST of all sellers!!! I won't endorse who I think is good but I just left the 10th negative feedback for doolicity and hope I can save many frustration when buying CD's from artist. March 5, 2007

The Good Life

Cracker was one of the first bands that really caught my attention during the alternative boom that took place while I was in high school. "Get Off This" was deservedly all over MTV and Kerosene Hat was in my opinion superior to their debut. Sadly I lost track of Cracker in the following years, in favor of newer sounds and other things. It was their album with Leftover Salmon that dragged me back to Cracker Soul, and when I listened to Kerosene Hat after all those years I was amazed at how well it held up. It wasn't simply a period piece to be pulled off the shelf every now and then, it was a living, breathing piece of rock n roll goodness that made just as much sense in my older years as it did when I was in high school.

So I made a point of setting out to correct the errors of the decade, seeking out the best of what I had missed. 1997's Gentleman's Blues was my first find, and it really is the Kerosene Hat of my adult years if that makes any sense. Kerosene Hat captured perfectly the anxieties of being young and stupid, allowing me to laugh at myself as I sang along to these remarkably absurd songs that somehow fit very logically into my life. Gentleman's Blues is the sound of the once young and stupid realizing that he (or she) is all grown up and facing responsibilities, relationships, and other adult traumas. The now-middle-aged David Lowry chooses to confront these concerns in a song cycle that is much more revealing than anything he had previously released, except perhaps Camper Van Beethoven's Key Lime Pie album.

The humor here is now shaded with a kind of cynicism, or even fear of success and what it brings. The sound itself is more subdued, with classic rock keyboards playing a more prominent role than they had previously. This down-to-Earth approach makes the album a steady source of comfort for someone like myself, who also has his issues and fears related to growing up, having a career and a serious relationship. I find myself singing along in the car as if these songs were written by me, for me. That is a rare thing.

One last note- it is interesting to see the reactions of critics and fans to this album. When it was released, the popularity of alt-guitar-pop bands was sadly waning. Many fans were either turned off by the previous album (The Golden Age- a mediocre effort) or found this one too far removed from the carefree Kerosene Hat. Critics generally praise the album but I haven't seen it turn up on any "best of" lists for the 1990s. Basically, this record is more likely now to turn up in used bins than anywhere. And that is a sad state of affairs. I urge you to buy it and really listen, make it your own. I can only hope that the next time a band this good comes along (and there are several of them out there now), they aren't neglected. March 7, 2006

Good Album by a Great Band

Not Cracker's best but still well worth the money and time to listen. The same blend of country, rock, punk, and "alternative" that we come to expect from them.

Some real gems: "My Life is Totally Boring...", "Hold of Myself", and "I Want Out of the Circus" are great fun. "Trials & Tribulations" and "Wedding Day" illustrate just how unclassifiable Cracker are. "The Good Life" is an energetic start. And "Unnamed track 24" deserves a name: a wonderful showcase of their new bassist's talent--she out Bonnie-Raitts Bonnie Raitt!

"Hallelujah" is actually quite beautiful, in contrast to many of Cracker's "slow" songs which tend to be.... well, slow.... (This general trend is also excepted, in spades, by "I Want Everything " which is easily one of their best songs on any album.)

A good album by a great band, but (as with much of their stuff) a bit too much left off the cutting floor... September 2, 2003

A Partial Rebound

Cracker's fourth album, "Gentlemen's Blues" is a marked improvement from their previous effort, even if it isn't quite on par with their first two records. The album contains the greatest diversity in sound the band had yet achieved and their Virginia roots shine through more than ever in their music (see: "James River" for details). Leader David Lowery has regained his deft sense of humor and longtime sideman Johnny Hickman comes up two of his best ever songs in "Wedding Day" and "Hold of Myself."

Other highlights from the album include the gorgeous "Lullabye," and the rocker "My Life is Totally Boring Without You" that is as close to a signature tune as Lowery can get. There's also some hidden material with a strong Blues bent, which is fitting of the whole album's more adventuresome style. It might be a tad overlong with a few bland songs, but it is nice to see Cracker back near the top of their game.

Overall, a mini-comeback album from Virginia's best known rock band. March 2, 2003

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