Haymaker!

Here I go again, trying to find the right words to shape into a review of a Gourd's recording, this time their 2009 "Haymaker." The temptation, as always, is pile on the adjectives and dig through the thesaurus, so I'm going to try to keep this one lean and mean.

If you have been keeping up with the Gourds for some time, the best surprise here is that the music seems tidier, more focused, and less divergent than on some of their previous forays. A strong Tex-Mex seasoning permeates many of the tunes, and most of the rest have a smoky country flavor. The ballads that dominated their last album, "Noble Creatures," are not in favor here, as the band tends to get wound up and keep things rocking. And that means Jimmy Smith's tracks overall are a bit stronger than Kevin Russell's contributions this time out---but Max Johnson has penned a pair of fine tunes as well.

The Gourds have always been a sort of musical jambalaya, and nothing has changed (fortunately) as...Read more

I've read this is the best Gourds album yet. Upon listen 2, I think it may very well be - and that is quite a feat. I love the production - sounds very steady and even - like its played live and in a few takes. The fact that a Max Johnston track and the last one on the album (Tighter) is my top tune, really shows a strong, strong album is here.

As other reviewers have noted The Gourds of Austin, TX are kind of hard to pin down or label musically. Don't let that minor technicality worry you one bit. One reviewer used the term "musical jambalaya", and that comes pretty close to encompassing the sound of The Gourds.

These guys are the real deal when it comes to "good music", and this latest studio release from them is a fine effort in a long line of "fine efforts". Do yourself a favor; buy this album, and try to catch a live show. You will not be disappointed....be sure to bring your dancing shoes.