O.C.M.S.

I heard these guys for the first time on NPR's Prairie Home Companion. Their rendition of "Wagon Wheel," the last track on this disc, was the perfect tune to be listening to, while riding down the road towards home. The disc as a whole is nearly perfect. Balanced, bluegrass harmonies and skillful musicianship blend to create a disc that I have listened to hundreds of times, never growing tired.

Especially great is the rendition of "CC Rider" the best version of that classic since Ray Charles. Also fantastic are "Take 'em Away" and "Tell It To Me," but there isn't a bad track on the album.

Like hearing the old-time bluegrass with a contemporary spin. I think they target younger audiences but older folks may enjoy - just tune out the drug parts.

Old Crow Medicine Show has taken bluegrass, rock and country music and, IMO, fused it into some real good-time music. While the Album is strong throughout, "Wagon Wheel" is what I would call their signature song. It's catchy and will appeal to anybody who loves lively music and who does not have a built in bias against vocals with a twang. I've seen them live and they were great. While their second CD does not have a song as catchy as "Wagon Wheel", I think OCMS's second album is more consistent throughout than this CD.

These gorgeous bluegrass boys solidified their Classic Status with this album - a dynamic ebb and flow of roots bluegrass and heartfelt folk with a punch of punk to boot. They play old school yet so modern and fresh. My mark of a great band is if they can hold up and shine live, and believe me, they Bring Down the House, or Tear the Roof Off, or any other construction/housing analogy you wish... CLASSIC.

This is great music, even if you don't like bluegrass.

Alos pick up O.C.M.S.'s "Big Iron World" as it is even better.

J.