Search - Bottle Rockets :: Zoysia

Finest Bottle Rockets Record to Date

Jay Vee | Atlanta, GA | 06/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I am a relatively new fan of the Bottle Rockets. About 2 years ago I was introduced to them via their 1994 release The Brooklyn Side, which was an album full of great alt-country roots rock anthems that made me want to get my boots on and kick around some mud. But these boys from Missouri aren't your "run of the mill" alt-country bar room brawlin' band. Behind the racous guitars are deep sentiments that make a recovering Promise Ring fan like myself take note.



Zoysia is no exception. This record is as heartfelt as it is rambunctious. Songs like the opening "Better than Broken" and "Mountain to Climb" maintain the status of the B-Rox as cheiftans of raw alt country / rock n roll. Yet, other songs, such as "Where I'm From" and "Happy Anniversary" are brooding, bluesy, and subtle. And further, the boys go far beyond anything they've done with the song "I Quit." Complete with soul swinging female backgroung vocals, it's an almost funk thumping answer to the critics of singer/guitarist Brian Henneman's recent sobriety. The payoff of the whole record comes at the end with the title track Zoysia, a psychedelicly laced tune that speaks to the heart of a nation divided politically.



This record is a must have for any who likes creative, heartfelt, honest rock and roll.



"

The crunching sound of summer

Calexico | Ireland | 06/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW...that was the first thing that leapt out of my mouth when I heard the opening chords to Better Than Broken, the album opener. I didn't say a whole lot after that until the album had ended,with the wonderful jam on title track Zoysia. You see, it's hard to say much of anything with your blasted jaw on the floor.



This album really IS this good. The Bottle Rockets were always a great band and have a back catalogue to rival anyone from Festus to Fermanagh and back. Thing is, with this album they have a settled line up and a band confidence that just seeps through in the playing. This one record outstrips anything they have recorded and when you think of albums like Blue Sky, 24 Hours A Day and The Brooklyn Side that is mighty impressive.



The playing is spot on in every way and Brian Henneman's way around a lyric is an unbridled joy. It's been a long time since a lyric made me smile unprompted but Brian's do it, time after time.





Go and do yourself a huge favour and make this the soundtrack to your summer. You won't be disappointed.Real rock music for real people, soup to nuts a winner!"

Bottle Rockets Return To Form

IJEFF | Milwaukee, WI USA | 08/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For starters, this is a much better effort than anything I've heard from the BR since 24 Hours A Day. Recent efforts have had their moments, but Zoysia is a much more consistent and enjoyable effort. Things get off to a great start with Better Than Broken. A somewhat typical BR uptempo rocker executed to perfection. Makes for a great "pick me up" song.



The next song Middle Man is outstanding and is a nice observation from Brian Henneman on where he sees himself in the increasingly polarized world we live in. Happy Anniversary, Blind and Suffering Servant are also excellent songs. There are no bad songs though a couple tend to drag on a bit.



The culmination is the final song, Zoysia which might be the best BR song ever. It's 7 minutes of tortured perfection. It reminds me somewhat of the quality songs Neil Young used to do with Crazy Horse many years ago. Not sure Mr. Young could write something quite this good and subtle anymore.



In summary, this isn't a masterpiece though I can't think of anything in recent years that would qualify. It is a highly enjoyable, intelligently written slice of Americana rock and roll from one of the few artists that still knows how to do it. Highly recommended for lovers of quality music in the roots rock, country-rock, alt-rock and classic rock genres."