On second thought … Marah, Blitzen Trappen, Ian Hunter

by Dan Gephart in Album Reviews, Reviews

One of my all-time favorite albums is Los Lobos’ Kiko, a wonderful rootsy-bluesy Tex-Mex blend. Rather than follow their biggest hit La Bamba with something else chart-ready, they went all experimental. And it resulted in their best album.
But at first, I didn’t like it.

It took several listens for me to understand and really appreciate Kiko.
That’s why I tend to give albums a few chances before I give up on them.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve discovered the beauty of three albums that I originally dismissed.

Shrunken Heads. Ian Hunter.
My first reaction: A rather pedestrian set of geezer rock.
On second thought: Yes, Ian Hunter is in his late 60s, but he still rocks. But it’s his songwriting that helps Shrunken Heads stand out. Hunter is equal parts cranky and funny as he rants about celebrity culture, the Hurricane Katrina mess and getting old.

Wild Mountain Nation. Blitzen Trappen.
My first reaction: What a mess!
On second thought: A unique energetic album of alt-country weirdness. Yes, it’s still a mess at times, but when it all comes together, as it does on Wild Mountain Nation, Murder Babe and Country Caravan, it’s a wonderful indie pop-rock gem – one of best of 2007.

Angels of Destruction. Marah.
My first reaction: A once great band showing signs of falling apart.
On second thought: Wow! This is really classic Marah, with all the Springsteen swagger. This Philly band rollicks from one song to another, each one providing a hard punch. Hey Stephen King and Nick Hornby are right – Marah is still one of the best rock bands in the country.