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Free Music Notes for Damn Right, Rebel ProudFree Music Review: Damn Right, this album is Rebel Proud! Hit: 5 Stars
I purchased the vinyl edition of this album the day it came out, keeping up with my own long tradition of buying each Hank III album the first day I can. I spent the rest of the day walking around with a big grin on my face, knowing that I was about to descend into the work of someone who is one of the most innovative artists of our generation; not only in country, but in music in general. Upon popping the album into my computer to give it a listen, I knew that my faith in Hank III had not been misplaced. Shelton Hank Williams had done it again.
What is most surprising about DTRP is how much Hank has begun to play around with his sound. Although the album contains strains of the ramped up country we saw in Straight to Hell, many of the songs on this album slower than what many of us would have expected; amazingly, he accomplishes this without toning down the darkness and the fun which have always exemplified Hank III to many of his fans. In this album we are given some bona-fide tear jerkers, such as the amazing "Candidate for Suicide" and "Stoned & Alone", the moody "Three Shades of Black" (one of my favorite tracks, as a matter of fact) and some populist anthems reminicent of the works of such Country music masters as Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Johnny Cash, "Working Man" and "If You Can't Help Your Own".
For those of you are reading this review and are scared that Hank had his teeth pulled in this album, fear not. DS&RP contains such rebellious, sped up country such as "The Grand Ole Opry (Ain't So Grand) which takes a well justified stab at that great institution of Country Music, the Opry. Those of us old time fans will also be happy to see "6 Pack of Beer" finally pressed for a wide audience (the banjo picking is something to be heard!). Even better, Hank has finally managed to release some of his Country-Punk-Metal mixture known as Hellbilly. "H8 Line" and "Long Hauls and Close Calls" stand as the two best representations of this sound.
Damn Right and Rebel Proud is a varied album which shows a growing maturity and depth to Hank III's music. Its a must have for any fan of this artist, and a great jumping on point for those of you who have only heard the hushed whispering of his fans.
Hellbillies Unite!
Free Music Review: Best Hank III album ever .... best country album this year Hit: 5 Stars
Hank III's highly anticipated new album "Damn Right, Rebel Proud" hit stores today and was well worth the wait. The album tightly packs classic country, rock, punk and metal into a mix that III is famed for (fondly called "hellbilly" by the fans.) The band lineup includes Joe Buck on stand up bass, Andy Gibson on stand up steel, Shawn McWilliams on drums and many other greats including some sic guitar pickin' from Johnny Hiland! We also hear some of the most ingenious and inspired III lyrics ever written.
The tracks are authentic, righteous and smoldering. Some songs are classic and upbeat enough for stepdancing. Also included are a few ballads so sweetly raw they darn near break your heart. III has surely inherited his granddads fervency.
Rather he has fought to maintain his own strength of character through years of battling an industry that would cream to have him sell out. III has remained humble and principled regardless of his potential for huge commercial success. God bless him.
The real blessing in his righteousness is III's persistence to write songs without the shackles of censorship. All his previous albums have been lyrically candid and musically pure. With each consecutive album, III further develops his original sound. Yet no track is over-mixed. No murky layers of effects for this purist. The quality remains clean as spring water.
With each album, III's lyrics become more personal and frankly telling. Yet "Damn Right, Rebel Proud" has more complexity and variety than his previous major releases. The songs are brutally honest ...whether autobiographical or otherwise. (After hearin out Joe the Plumber, McCain and Obama should get a load of the song "Workin' Man" in which III collaborated with Bob Wayne.)
These tunes are layered with genuine experiences and pain. I took a break between some tracks just to absorb it all (and throw back a couple shots of jack!) This is one of the most intimate albums ever recorded. After listening to "Damn Right, Rebel Proud" you'll feel like you spent one of those highly memorable evenings at a small bar with one very, very dear friend.
Free Music Review: Hank III: Pure Country Hit: 5 Stars
I have to give HANK III credit for producing one great album after another since his official solo debut, RISIN' OUTLAW in 1999. HANK III holds your attention with his pure, raw, uncensored, honest brand of Country Music. There's always an ongoing curiosity about what he will opine & have to say, through his music, on any album he issues - you just gotta have it! The most impressive and compelling elements in HANK III's music and artistry, are his attitude, unrestrained execution, and he's the ultimate 'hick' vocalist. Sometimes his songs take unexpected twists and turns, which make his music the more captivating. Hank III's songs will make you appreciatively laugh out loud, put a huge smile on your face, and even cry. Folks, his music is too much FUN! He doesn't follow music industry rules at all[which is what makes him so appealing] - he creates, raises and sets the bar to an all time high. Music brings Hank III's devils and saints all out, and justifies living in sin, no regrets. Call him and his music punkabilly-hickabilly-hellbilly-honky punk- or whatever you please, HANK III's music is authentic, he's a great story teller in song, and he's the most entertaining real thing, ya'll.
Free Music Review: Real and down to earth, this is the best country record of the year! Hit: 5 Stars
3 is back and he's done it again. Speaking the truth that no one wants to hear. I've said it before and it's important to say here: Truth is the toughest obstacle. Pullin' no punches and lettin em land where they may, 3 says what needs to be said and everyone needs to turn their ear to listen closely. This album is more diverse in its content, but it's still raw, honest, real country. He hits his mark dead between the eyes on each track and his mood is more unstable and reckless on this record than any of his previous efforts, but that can only be a sign of his genuine anger and frustration at the current state of the cannibalistic music industry and the battles he is fighting to gain ground without compromising his soul - which he does in spades! Buy this album and your favorite six pack and you'll be in good company sitting alone by the stereo.
Free Music Review: 2008 Album of the Year Hit: 5 Stars
I didn't think Shelton could outdo Straight to Hell, but this is the best of his four albums. Go to your local record shop or best buy and pick it up. The first track is reason enough to buy it.
"The Grand Ole Opry Ain't So Grand Anymore" It starts out.."The Grand Ole Opry ain't so grand anymore. Did You know Hank Williams ain't a member but they keep him outside their door. Hell they didn't even want Johnny Cash in 1974..they were nervous bout Waylon cause he had a crooked smile, do you think they wanted Johnny Paycheck hangin around?"
"Me & My Friends" is my personal favorite..a true honky tonk song you don't hear much anymore.
This album has the rowdy no BS songs we love by Hank 3 along with the classing troubador style songs and also deep, dark songs like Candidate for Suicide
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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