On Sun, 28 Feb 1999, Shane S. Rhyne wrote: > Storms or no storms, I was determined to have a good time on tonight's show. > Having this great new disc from the Countrypolitans sure helped out. Y'all > who have been discussing the various merits of the Bakersfield sound and the > classic Nashville sound really ought to be giving this disc a listen. A word of caution here: I've found all of the alt-country releases eminating out of Portland to be less than pleasing. I know, I live out here and should embrace the local scene. The new Flatirons is well, flat & plodding although it does contain an amazing version of _Crazy Train_. Yep, the very same song Ozzy recorded. The Countripolitans record definitely has its moments. Although I'd again caution those of you fascinated by their name to be wary. It's not overly Countrypolitan, nor Bakersfield, nor anything else. Again, sort of mid-tempo, plodding, with IMHO, under-developed songs. Plus, it has the most bizarre production I've ever heard. The lead singer's voice literally jumps off the disc about 5 ft' in front of anything else. Not a bad disc but definitely one that sounds like a band beginning to mature. Speaking of maturing, while I'm not a Little Sue fan, her 2nd disc far surpasses her initial release. While not wanting to purchase disc #2, I am curious about where she's headed. Much improved. Sorry, Golden Delicious, nor Bingo, nor any of that other Portland stuff (Hank Plank & the 2x4's excluded since I haven't heard them) appeals to me in the slightest. A very nice alt-country scene is present out here, I wish I enjoyed it a bit more. I do hope the bands continue to record and succeed, it's good for all of us. Sorry to be honest and offer up a dissenting view. Hope the other Pac NW folks don't blast me out of the water, but I thought I'd should offer my own singular subjective take. So, no flames por favor. NP: Pernice Brothers Jerry
