On Euphonium, the Picketts capture what they have done onstage so memorably for years, which is to blend country, roots rock and wit into an infectious and knowing composite that’s damned appealing. It’s a combination many bands attempt, only to be undone by the vexing nature of that unwieldy third element. For the Picketts, wit doesn’t mean yuks and parody, but instead an ingratiating wink to the audience to join in the fun and share their spirit.
Take what on the surface might appear to be comic covers of the Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. The former is one of those classic-rock radio songs that’s been overplayed into meaninglessness. But, as sung by Christy McWilson and drummer Leroy Sleep, “Baba” is transformed into a tender, almost majestic croon. It’s the one song on the record that truly does evoke Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris (think “Love Hurts”), as the liner notes suggest. Behind the voices, Sleep and bassist Walt Singleman take the Who’s side in a duel with lead guitarist John Olufs, who’s edging the song towards Tommy James’ “Crimson and Clover”. It’s one of number of moments on Euphonium where influences collide for a delightful sparring match.
Meanwhile, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is remade as a honky-tonk two-step behind McWilson’s teasing vocals, so much so that it wouldn’t be a bit out of place on TNN’s Club Dance. McWilson is in fine voice throughout, taking a lovely country turn on “Just Passing Through” and “House Made From Cards”, and really opening up to bring home the insistent “Night Fell”. Producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) puts his attention on the foundations of songs, keeping things simple but making sure the melody remains strong as Olufs steps out for another tasteful solo. The gifted guitarist is a fount of early rock guitar styles (Burton, Eddy, et al), while the rhythm playing of Jim Sangster (who pulls double duty with McWilson’s husband Scott McCaughey in the Young Fresh Fellows) adds ’60s and ’70s shadings to the mix.
Euphonium does have a few lesser moments, but only relative to its high points. Think of it as the home version of the Picketts road show, packed with all the verve and good nature that make the band such a joy to see onstage.