Search - O'Kanes :: Only Years

Great stuff!

02/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2 questions: 1. Why did these guys split up? 2. Why haven't their 3 CDs been reissued? Their 1st ('The O'Kanes') stands as one of the best Country/Bluegrass recordings (dare we call it Bluegrass without a banjo?) of the past 20 years (actually, there is a little banjo, but it's used as a secondary instrument). No showoff chops, just solid musicianship, convincing front-porch harmony, and great songwriting. Their 2nd release ('Tired of the Running') was not quite up to the debut, but was a fine record nevertheless. Their 3rd and final outing as a duo ('Imagine That') was merely good, the freshness (and great songs) of the first two, gone. So maybe that answers the first question. This collection includes most, but certainly not all, of their best songs. I have one complaint about 'The Only Years': It sounds as though the songs were remixed or something (I don't know the technical term), and there is a dryness (lack of reverb?) that's noticeable from the first song, "Oh Darlin'." If you've never heard these songs before, then it won't bother you."

Smooth and sweet

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 12/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kieran Kane and Jamie O'Hara (the O'Kanes) were nominated for "Vocal Duo of the Year" in '88 by the CMA, and 3 albums later, they disbanded to pursue solo careers...but they sure made some lovely music while they were together, with some of the sweetest harmonies I've ever heard.Superb musicianship, coupled with their terrific songwriting talent, make this a satisfying disc. A blues/folk blend of bluegrass, with some really outstanding tracks, like the wonderful "Highway 55", "All Because of You", with its nifty accordion solo...and the CD is worth buying for the incredibly melodic "This Ain't Love" alone. I'm only sorry that "Daddies Need to Grow Up Too" wasn't included in this compilation, which was on their 1st recording, and now sadly unavailable.This is polished, superfine music. Beautifully written and exquisitely executed, it's a smooth, well rounded CD, without a single jarring moment...just pure listening pleasure, that if you like this genre of music, you will love. Guaranteed."