Old Crow Medicine Show - 'Tennessee Pusher'

Tennessee Pusher Bottom Line:

When it comes to solid countrified newgrass music, there's few who can do it as well as Old Crow Medicine Show. They take the time to remind the listener that there's nothing more country than bluegrass, and bluegrass has always been country. Produced by the legendary Don Was, this third Nettwerk album from Old Crow Medicine Show demonstrates amply why this group is so popular in their live shows across the country.

Tennessee Pusher - Solid Good Music

When it comes to solid good music, you really can't beat OCMS. The group makes their name primarily through touring, but their studio efforts are never second rate. Their third album takes them along a maturing path, showing their growth as musicians and it's great to see them stretching their wings and testing their limits. Their music is tight and solid, but in many ways more importantly, it's pleasant. This is a GOOD album to listen to. The music makes me feel good. Listening to it is simply enjoyable. They've moved past the "old" part of their name to show they are not just some retro bluegrass band, but a progressive, original group who do their own music and do it so well.

Tennessee Pusher - The Songs:

The songs on Tennessee Pusher definitely demonstrate a more polished, more professional feel than their earlier discs, which could be simply the influence of Don Was's production. The man who has handled the likes of Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and the Rolling Stones is a deft handler of music, working very well with the Old Crow gang, taking the energy of their live shows and managing to present that energy with all the shine of a pure studio disc, which is no mean feat.

From the energy of "Alabama High-Test" to "Mary's Kitchen," from the haunting quality of "Motel in Memphis" to the title track, there is a sober, solid quality to the entire album that, yes, is a departure from their old sound, and may not appeal to all of their fans, but I think if you just bend an ear and listen, you'll find something to love here. Enjoy.

Release Date: September 23, 2008 - Label: Nettwerk

Tennessee Pusher Track List:

1. Alabama High-Test
2. Highway Halo
3. The Greatest Hustler Of All
4. Methamphetamine
5. Next Go `Round
6. Humdinger
7. Motel In Memphis
8. That Evening Sun
9. Mary''s Kitchen
10. Crazy Eyes
11. Tennessee Pusher
12. Lift Him Up
13. Caroline