Old 97’sHit by a Train: The Best of the Old 97’sGrade: A-
Since Big Buck 98.1 romped its way onto the airwaves, Laredo’s been in a country-fied, or country-fried, mood. In keeping with that thread, the Bridge brings you a pair of artists that “walk the line” between country and rock: a genre affectionately referred to as alt-country. The first, a band born straight out of the city of Dallas, goes by the name of the Old 97’s.
The Texas four-piece began electrifying audiences back in 1993 and show just the slightest hint of slowing down. In fact, many speculate that the recent release of the greatest hits collection that this critic is reviewing is the death knell for the band.
However, according to the band’s official website, not only are the 97’s playing an upcoming show in Austin on March 14, but a new record appears to be in the works. In the meantime, Hit by a Train serves to tide over the newcomers and hardcore fans.
Many of the songs prove to be no-brainers for a greatest hits collection. For instance, the raucous romp “Timebomb” almost immediately became a live staple for the band. Unfortunately, like most great live songs, the recorded version tends to pale in comparison.
The opening crunch of the intro and vocalist/guitarist Rhett Miller’s succeeding yelps and moans lack the punch that a free-for-all performance provides. However, there’s simply no denying the juiced-up, twangy-then-distorted anthem for a girl named Celeste.
“I got a timebomb, in my mind Mom, It’s gonna go off, but I don’t known when. I need a doctor to extract her. I got a feeling she’d get right back in again.”
Like “Timebomb,” the collection also boasts the clever and well-crafted “Victoria.” Again, the recording possesses merely teaspoons of the electricity of the live version. What carries the song through has to do with Rhett Miller’s sarcasm, which drips from his drawl as he talks about a girl named Victoria.
“She lost her lover to an accident at sea. She pushed him overboard and ended up with me.
The song then becomes a warning to beware of a woman (or man) like Victoria: sexy and slightly insane. “Victoria” epitomizes the wit and rawness the band exudes.
Hit by a Train does a fairly good job of spanning the 97’s career by taking several tracks from each of their albums. Ultimately, listeners get a taste of their country roots with songs like “Stoned” and “Cryin’ Drunk,” as well as their later successful efforts with more rock-tinged arrangements, especially on “King of All the World” and “Nineteen.”
Curiously, only one track is included from the band’s last effort, Drag it Up. However, perhaps this is not so curious since that particular didn’t exactly blow many minds unfortunately. Though the greatest hits collection is a good place to start, why not jump right in with either Wreck your Life, Fight Songs, or Satellite Rides, three of the band’s best albums? What do you got to lose? Okay, maybe a few bucks, but you just might gain some dang good music.