Old 97's - Hit by a Train: The Best of Old 97's

In his liner notes to this collection, Robert Christgau writes "When The Old 97's were on Bloodshot, the myth was that they were 'alt-country' -- which was true in a way but misleading." True enough; while The Old 97's were one of the best and most consistently enjoyable bands to come out of the '90s alt-country boom, they sound less like hipster kids trying to nail hayseed affectations onto Replacements-esque rock & roll than the proud sons of Texas that they truly are. Like their spiritual forefathers Buddy Holly, Bobby Fuller, and Doug Sahm, The Old 97's have always been a band that can't help throwing a bit of twang into the mix (as best evidenced by Ken Bethea's guitar, which at its best splits the difference between Luther Perkins and Neil Young), but they also know a great hook when they hear it (or write it) and realize telling a good story is the best way to draw in the listener (singer and primary lyricist Rhett Miller has a way with words that makes him sound smarter than average, but like a regular guy with regular girl problems at the same time). Read More