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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Armchair Boogie

Hard Time & Deadlines

Review by Gary Hill

This act from Madison, Wisconsin creates some interesting and unique music. It has a lot of bluegrass built into it. In fact, that’s probably the one thing that’s present on every song here. There is a decent amount of range throughout, though – with different things including horns and electric guitar showing up here and there. Even when they don’t make a lot of changes from the formula, it’s still effective. That says a lot, really.


This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2026  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2026.

Track by Track Review
Hard Times

There is plenty of bluegrass on the mix on this number. It has good energy and reminds me a little of Arlo Guthrie to some degree. This definitely earns itself a parental advisory.

Livin'

Fast-paced and driving, this has a lot of downhome vibes at play. The frantic bluegrass picking is pretty awesome. I love this line “what’s the good in livin’ if the livin’ really isn’t that good?”

Gone in a Day

More fast paced jamming is on the menu here. This is a bit more serious in tone than the last number. It still has plenty of great bluegrass music in the mix, though.

All the Same

This is another that makes me think of Arlo Guthrie. It’s a strong tune. It’s not a big change, but somehow it just works better in some ways.

Skippin' Town

I dig the whole vibe of this song. The instrumental section brings in some scorching electric guitar soloing, bringing a different level of sound. Beyond that it’s more classy bluegrass.

You've Been Hurt

This isn’t a big change, but it’s solid. This one also earns a parental advisory. 

Low Down Time

In some ways this feels more mainstream. It even includes horns. Yet it still has country and bluegrass vibes. It’s a nice mix of sounds and brings some variety.

Empty Pools

The frantic bluegrass on this is somehow more effective than some of the rest here. It’s not a paradigm shift, but it works well.

Liquor Store

Fast bluegrass with a lot of style is the concept here. This is another winner.

Boneyard
They close it off with another track that maintains the country sounds in a solid way.
 
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