REVIEW - RUSTY NAIL "Boozers, Bastards and Bards" Self-released (2011)

Rusty Nail "Boozers, Bastards and Bards" Self-released
Release date: November 2011
Running time: 64:59, 14 tracks

"Boozers, Bastards and Bards”. A great title for Rusty Nail’s second album. Yes, the band released in 2007 a CD titled “Ounce and a Half of Whiskey”. But, given that their first CD was recorded by an acoustic band and Rusty Nail was intended to be an electric band, we can consider “Boozers, Bastards and Bards” as their “debut” album.

And “Boozers, Bastards and Bards”  is really a labour of love: an excellent packaging (a digipack with a fantastic artwork, black and white pics of the whole band and bands members and all the credits and liners notes), fourteen tracks (only 3 standards!!!!) and 65 minutes of Celtic rock that have been recorded, mixed and mastered by  multi-instrumentalist Chad Ross (dulcimer, guitar, banjo, accordion, organ, electric guitar and slide guitar). As it has been previously said, most of the tracks have been written by the band members: Alvan Caby (guitar, mandolin, electric guitar and vocals) and Chris Otto (tin whistle and American native flute)

It’s not easy to pick up the best tracks. All the material is strong, but given that we have to choose some tracks, here we go:

“Yadier Molina” is an attractive song featuring fiddle and great male and female vocals.

“Black Velvet Band” is the most interesting cover. A rocking version with great mandolin and electric guitar work that also features accordion.

Track no. 7, “Paper Kisses” is another strong number. The song features accordion, mandolin and fiddle. The female choir at the end of the song is amazing.

“Brave New World”shows the band’s hard rock end. This side of the band can also be heard at the next song, “Trainyard Pubs”. At the beginning, the song is calm but gradually it evolves into a rocking song with excellent electric guitar, fiddle and flute.

Finally, “Shamrock Pub”. A slow and quiet song, but quite enjoyable. Imagine The Tossers “Teehan’s” at a slower pace blended with “To Welcome Paddy Home”. Mandolin, fiddle, guitar and female vocals (once again guest Amy Caby) really shine.

Several bands have evolved from an acoustic pub band to a full electric Celtic rock/punk band. Normally they record mainly traditional and standard songs, even after having shifted to the electric line-up. However, Rusty Nail have always trusted in their own songs. Particularly, I feel that their hard rock side is something that makes them different. I guess that a better studio and a professional producer could help them to develop their sound. Because their songs deserve to be heard by a bigger audience.

Track list:

01. Damned Violent Things 4:03
02. Opened Ground 3:56
03. Deadbeat Daddy Docket Day 3:27
04. Yadier Molina 4:52
05. Swallow Your Bitter Spanish Wine 6:22
06. Black Velvet Band 5:51
07. Paper Kisses 5:11
08. Brave New World 3:57
09. Train Yard Pubs 5:23
10. The Auld Triangle 4:27
11. Shamrock Pub 3:30
12. Breakfast At Home 5:03
13. Elizabeth's Eyes 6:20
14. The Parting Glass 2:38

http://www.rustynailstl.com
http://www.myspace.com/rustynailmusic
http://www.reverbnation.com/rustynailmusic
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rusty-Nail/337423642224


Click to buy:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rustynail

Review by Kinksmarkham