Regular readers of this blog will know what huge fans of The Sumner Brothers we are. Having been writing about them for what seems like years, i (Geordie) rave about them any chance i get and am often telling folks that they are my favourite Canadian band. In fact, they are one of my favourite bands, period and their soon to be released, incredible new album only confirms further what i already think.
Although i’ve only had a couple of chances to listen to it, it’s already beginning to ingrain itself into my dna. Starting off with a screaming, rollicking track called Toughest Man In Prison Camp, it takes you a little bit by surprise given the usual, more mellower previous albums but it works tremendously well and would imagine gives you an idea into what you could expect if you saw them live (something i plan on doing in 2013).
Given the title of the album (a line from a Townes van Zandt song) it should come as no surprise there is a Townes cover in there and to my great delight, they cover one of my own personal favourites of Townes’, Colorado Girl. If any of you are lucky enough to be on The Sumners Brothers’ mailing list, you will already know what great covers they have done, everyone from Townes to A.P Dugas but they don’t just cover them, they make them their own, they turn them into Sumner Brothers songs. I like that. You will too, I promise.
Also on this new album are a couple of reworkings of a couple of songs they released on their In The Garage series, namely Going out West and You Will Find Me respectively. They are beefed up a little, more punchy, more production and both work tremendously well.
But i’m thrilled to hear some new tracks, it has seemed like such a long time since i heard any (although probably not as long as i think, i’m just eager and at times, impatient) Outside looking in is a reflective track, or more of an eye opener of something he didn’t realise was happening until something was over, hence the song title.
Both gifted with incredible voices, Brian at times has a slight shakey sound, i don’t mean that negatively, perhaps i’m looking for a more descriptive word than i can think of right now, full of emotion though and strikes right to the very heart of the song, like trying to sing while you’re weeping, perhaps? The Lord is My Protector is a great example of this and then with Bob taking the reins on the very next track (Brian doing the screaming bits), the more old timey feeling, When You Dig My Grave, the two songs back to back leave you in no doubt that you are listening to a band who are as good as anyone around right now. That’s Alright Mama, a song mostly famously sung by Elvis is given the Sumner Brothers treatment. Coming in at a bolstering, foot stomping 1 min 59 seconds, it’s a full body shake down before the beautiful ending to the album, the instrumental I Would Love You In The Kitchen.
However, we’re honoured to be able to stream the whole album for you on this blog right now and you can make your own mind up about it. Along with Hearya, SongsIllinois, Slowacoustic, Herohill and Ninebullets, we are all streaming the album in full for a whole week. We all agree that it’s time these two brothers were given the plaudits they fully deserve and we hope by streaming the album in full, you will also spread the word about them and bring about new fans. So please, spread the links everywhere! Twitter, Facebook, Morse Code, Carrie Pigeon…..err, telephone? Anything! Just spread the word folks! Enjoy!
You can pre-order the album here (and receive Goin’ Out West for free) Pre-order
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