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3 Pairs of Boots

Gone South

Review by Gary Hill

This release is set in a style that has a lot of pure country music in the mix. You can probably get that from the cover, though. There are a lot of old-school country sounds here, but also some modern ones, too. A lot of the more modern stuff comes more from the instrumental mixes than the vocals. Of course, those female vocals lend a lot of charm. There is a good balance between mellower and more energized stuff, modern and more classic. This is a well-rounded and entertaining set.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) in Music Street Journal: 2020  Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2020.

Track by Track Review
Hey, I'm on My Way
Fast paced country music opens this set. The vocals bring some real magic to it. This has a vintage vibe and feels quite a bit like some classy folk rock.
Anything for You
This is a bit more rocking, but the vocals are more down-home in nature. I'm reminded quite a bit of Lone Justice on this tune, which is a compliment coming from me. I love the little spoken bits in the background on this track. It's a fun tune.
It Ain't Easy
Another fun and energized cut, the vocals are down-home in nature while the music is a bit more modern and mainstream. Don't get me wrong, the full package is country. It's just that the musical arrangement is more cross-over than the vocal performance is.
Gone South
The title track is more of a country rock tune. The arrangement is pretty well powered up, too. This is another song that makes me think of Lone Justice to a large degree.
Dollar Store
Coming in with a slow moving, acoustic based arrangement, this is more along the lines of a down-home country ballad. Yet, I can still make out plenty of that Lone Justice thing here.
Wash Away the Blues
The musical arrangement on this has some lush angles. It's a mid-tempo country tune that focuses more on the retro end of the spectrum, but still has some modern angles.
One More Ride
Coming in slow moving band balladic, this is mellow and intriguing as the vocals join. While this gets more powerful as it moves forward, it remains a ballad throughout. The guitar solo is tasty and brings a bit of a rock edge to the piece.
Slipping Away
As the acoustic guitar and voice start this tune, it has a real folk music vibe. As more energy is added after the first vocal part it becomes a country leaning folk rock song.
He Lost My Number
Starting mellow, this cut has a great country energy to it. There is a bluesy edge, too. This is down-home and modern at the same time. This gets a great groove going as it builds outward. I really like some of the guitar fills on this tune a lot.
Lousy Week
Now, this is a full on country leaning rocker. It's among the most mainstream sounding things here. It's a lot of fun, too. I'd say that it sounds more modern and cross-over than most of the other stuff here. This is a real standout.
Liberty
Another mainstream piece, this one is also a winner. I have to think that maybe this song and the previous one would have worked better for the set if they were positioned with a song or two between them instead of one after another.
Always Loved Cowboys
Down home country sounds are on the menu here. This is a fun tune that's on the slow side, but still manages to rock a bit.
 
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