Patterson HoodMurdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)
Ruth St. Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Drive-By Trucker goes solo with a very rewarding effort!
Album Review:
On last years excellent Drive-By Truckers record, Brighter Than Creation's Dark [2008] the lead vocals and songwriting duties were split three ways leaving plenty of material for Patterson Hood to release for this sophomore record Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs). The interesting thing is that many of the songs were created well before those sessions. It really tells you what kind of arsenal Hood has stored up because regardless of creation date, Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) feels seamless and anything but a mish-mash of songs. From remembering the death of Kurt Cobain in "Heavy And Hanging" to reflecting on his past personnel and band struggles in "Pollyanna", being a dad Post 9/11 on "Pride Of The Yankees" and looking into the future on "Grandaddy", Hood goes through multiple emotions and time periods giving the listener a perfect snapshot of his life. It is also respectable that Hood doesn't go completely solo here but brings in a talented bunch to help him out with Will Johnson and Scott Danbom (from Centro-matic) his dad David Hood, David Barbe (Sugar, The Quick Hooks), Drive-By Truckers and Don Chambers. Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) sets a good example of what a "band" leaders solo record should accomplish, because the record is completely personal, it retains his bands style and is totally centered around his songwriting and voice. If you are a Truckers fan then this record is a must - if you aren't sure then this is a perfect introduction to Patterson Hood and his work!
Key Tracks: "Pollyanna", "I Understand Now", "Foolish Young Bastard"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Steve Earle
Leeroy Stagger
Jay Farrar
Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark [Fire Note Review 2/11/08]
Official Patterson Hood Website
Patterson Hood MySpace
Patterson Hood Info [Allmusic]
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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