The realm of Americana country-rock is ruled by the group. Whether it's Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly, or Micky and the Motorcars, it's a specialized niche of roots-based rockabilly-styled music played loud and proud. This third disc from Micky and the Motorcars is a terrific followup to their sophomore Ain't In It For The Money, showcasing their powerhouse playing and sharp lyrical skill. It's well worth your time, so invest!
Micky and the Motorcars are fronted by lead man Micky Braun, brother of Reckless Kelly's Willy Braun (who collaborated with his bro on many of the sons), which does explain the vague similarity in sound; but don't think they're just a knock-off. Micky has his own sound, and he demonstrates it well with help from Randy Rogers, Kevin Welch (as well as Welch's children Dustin and Savannah), and bass player Robert Kern (Jack Ingram). Taking that kind of talent and adding in guests appearances by the great Lloyd Maines, Mickey Raphael, and Bukka Allen, plus new Motorcars lead guitarist Kris Farrow makes for some fine music.
Country-western is music the Braun brothers know well, as they've been playing since childhood, including appearing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson with their father's western swing band. They shoot some rockin' sounds in the western style and come on powerhouse strong with Naive.
Braun claims this disc was the first time the group has had a chance to really get into the studio and lay down a whole disc; with their previous releases, a good live gig always interrupted. This time, already established as one of the best live acts in Texas, they were able to take their time and really do it right.
The Songs:
Micky set pen to all twelve songs on this disc, along with numerous talented co-writers (including brother Willy and the Welchs). Starting out strong with the title track (which Braun describes as "your classic wife-cheating-on-the-husband, husband-comes-home thing"), the songs talk about all the best themes in country music, love and cheating and being on the road, and honestly, it flows together tremendously well as a disc.I found with each listen that it went by so fast I couldn't believe it was already finished at the end of the closing track, "Let's Split Out Of Here" (which, oddly, comes out on iTunes as just "Split"). All I did was start listening again.
My favorite track is "Amber," but there's really no weak sound here, everything hangs together pretty well perfectly. Now I just need to get their first two discs, and I'm set!
Release Date: July 29, 2008 - Label: Image Entertainment
Track List:
- Naive
- Amber
- Long Enough to Leave
- Grow Old
- Don't Be Sad
- Misunderstood
- Bloodshot
- Seashell
- Everything I've Got
- Twilight
- Seeds
- Let's Split Out of Here