Various Artists – Makin’ Singles, Drinkin’ Doubles
Being a premier locus/label of alt-country music isn’t easy, but Bloodshot Records has managed to make it to 100 releases with this collection of singles, rarities and previously unissued tracks.
Originally, Bloodshot’s mission was a reaction to the fancified pop-crossovers of 1990s country, their aim to make records that mined more traditional roots of the music. As such, it’s interesting to see all the non-traditional sources that are tapped for songs here. Much like the fine recent records by the Blind Boys Of Alabama, Makin’ Singles, Drinkin’ Doubles expands the tradition without becoming some whorish pop creation.
Much of the Bloodshot roster is represented here (though Wayne Hancock and Trailer Bride are sadly missing). With the exceptions of Neko Case’s full-throated take on Loretta Lynn’s “Rated X” and Andre Williams’ gritty soulful cover of Hank Williams’ “Ramblin’ Man” (and perhaps the two Ryan Adams originals), the strongest material here is from unexpected sources.
The ever-political Waco Brothers claim Jimmy Cliff’s defiant reggae anthem “They Harder They Come” (originally a B-side single in 1995, long before Adams and Willie Nelson did their version on Willie’s new Stars & Guitars album). Moonshine Willy transform XTC’s “Complicated Game” into an inspired hoedown complete with yodels and fast-talking that would leave most rappers tongue-tied. The Meat Purveyors’ Madonna medley (“Like A Virgin”, “Lucky Star” and “Burning Up”), which is by turns wistful and giddy, beats most covers of the chameleon pop queen because it’s not done with truckloads of irony. Rex Hobart’s take on Poison’s hit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” brings out a tenderness the hair-metal band’s original never approached. And it’s intriguing to hear Volebeat’s version of Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain”, though the song essentially retains its psychedelic vibe.
Perhaps what’s most impressive here isn’t just that these far-flung covers become believable as country songs, but also that a collection of B-sides and outtakes make a fine, well-paced package in and of itself. Many labels can’t even put together a collection this good with their “greatest hits.”