The Derailers - No One to Talk to but the Blues

Reverb Deluxe (Sire/Watermelon, 1997) As FM country gets safer and safer, turning into mere confection, there is a rising tide of "insurgent country" and other hardcore twangers, a band of ruffian camp followers raising their heads from all corners. Claiming allegiance to the tougher Bakersfield sound exhibited by Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and more during the '50s and '60s, the Derailers are a shiny rhinestone in the country & western belt. Listeners are taken into a rowdy honky tonk with the Derailers' male harmonies and strong upright bass. This disc also features plenty of steel guitar from guest musician Scott Walls, who should be signed on as a permanent member. His contributions add the necessary validity and melodic commentary to make this recording classic-sounding and worth obtaining. There are only three covers present, "I Don't Believe I'll Fall in Love Today," "No One to Talk To (But the Blues)," and a cleverly countrified "Raspberry Beret," but any one of their swinging originals holds up as well as a tried traditional. Reverb Deluxe Review by Tom Schulte / All Music The Derailers couple Buck Owens' Bakersfield sound with the pop sensibilities of the Beach Boys and the Beatles, delivering a follow-up to their 1996 debut that is freshly original and classically retro. The band 'strump card is an equal reverence for their pop influences and their country heroes. The Derailers' authentic honky tonk shines on the weary hopefulness of "Pawnshop Wedding Rings," and bitter resignation of "Lover's Lie." The neo/retro blend surfaces on the brilliant hidden cover of Prince's "Raspberry Beret," twanging like the Artist never intended. Also impressive is "Can't Stop a Train," sporting a Rubber Soul hook, but remembering theBeatles' cover of "Act Naturally," and "California Angel," which connectsthe Beach Boys' surf and Owens' twang. Bassist Ethan Shaw and drummer Terry Kirkendall solidified the rhythmsection, the unshakeable hillbilly foundation upon which Tony Villanuevaand Brian Hofeldt build their roadhouse anthems, and producer Dave Alvinmade sure this didn't get muddy when the colors mixed. The Derailers have all the gear: an inspirational love of the past, the sincerity to mimic the past without parody and the talent to bridge two unique styles across a generation. Reviewed by Brian Baker / Country Standard Time