 United Steel Workers of Montreal - Kerosene and Coal Review
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It doesn't take long to realize that USWM is doing something different than most bands out there. USWM uses no percussion. This is a string band with an accordion. There is a definite bluegrass influence running throughout the album, but this is not a strictly bluegrass band. "Sad Lover's Lament" incorporates a somewhat Celtic influence while "Meaner Than You" sounds a lot like something Tom Waits would do.In fact, that's not the only Tom Waits comparison. Gern's vocals, like Tom Waits's, are kind of a raspy growl. When I got my first taste of Felicity Hamer (accordion and vocals), I thought she sounds a lot like Janis Joplin. As the album goes on, I realize she's actually closer in vocal style to Lucinda Williams than Janis. There are some great ballads ("Out in the Cold" and "Ask Me To Stay") as well as some songs with a little more punch ("Green Means Go," "Can't Stop Now). I'd say my favorite tune on this album is "Big Ol' Dirty Tattoo." It is just a great story song. Another standout is "Union Man." This sounds like the kind of song Steve Earle writes about a working man that falls on hard times, causing his son to swear he'll be a union man. You can't go wrong with any song on this album. It is a collection of twelve songs, the longest of which is just more than five minutes. All the instruments are great. The lead vocals are unique and the harmony vocals are outstanding. To be honest, this is probably one of the best albums I have heard all year. This is going to get a lot of play with me, and if you like string bands, this should get a lot of play with you also.
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United Steel Workers of Montreal - Kerosene and Coal
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