Rating: NNNN
Edmonton country musician Corb Lund struggled with a breakup, writer’s block and family death and illness in the three years it took him to write his seventh album, but has turned out one of his most enjoyable listens to date.
Brilliantly bleak but humorous lyrics take centre stage, including immaculate, loving descriptions of antique pistols, goth girls, vintage motorbikes and a gravedigger’s life. (Also a convincing argument for why life is better when lived in the presence of cows.)
The album breezily incorporates rockabilly, blues, out-on-the-range balladry, country & western, swinging rock and even some yodelling. The apocalyptic Gettin’ Down On The Mountain, meanwhile, chugs ahead on a badass groove.
Live-off-the-floor production with almost no overdubs lends a powerful raw quality. Lund and his Hurtin’ Albertans band sound like they’re getting half-lit, though their stellar chops and Lund’s brilliantly simple songcraft rein things in.
The deluxe version includes an acoustic version of the album that’s even looser. You can hear people laughing and drinks being spilled.
Top track: Gettin’ Down On The Mountain
