The Days of Lore

The train keeps a gently rollin’

Thursday, October 16th, 2008 | musiX | 1 Comment

I’m an unabashed fan of the Old 97’s, especially their older records (everyone in their right mind should own a copy of Wreck Your Life), and I’m notorious for forcing others to listen, sometimes at gunpoint, until they come around. The band’s latest offering Blame It On Gravity received glowing reviews from loads of mags, rags and blogs … even the tastemakers at Pitchfork called the band’s single “Dance With Me” their best song in years. And to that I say, Fork yes.

But while the band receives the attention, and Rhett Miller puts out solo albums and gets the majority of the camera time, the 97’s other voice, Murry Hammond, has quietly released his first full-length I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way. There’s no Replacements rawk here. The instrumentation is spare. And Hammond’s deep Texas drawl comes through on plaintive country and gospel songs.

The album is a journey of the spiritual kind, and trains are a common theme here. While most of the Old 97’s catalog mixes well with whiskey, this is a record for cozying up with a glass of red.

“I Believe, I Believe” - Murry Hammond

Tags: Blame It On Gravity, I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm On My Way, Murry Hammond, Old 97's, Rhett Miller, Wreck Your Life