Track Listings (11) - Disc #1| All Artists: Rex Hobart & Misery Boys Title: Empty House Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Bloodshot Records Release Date: 2/22/2005 Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Pop Styles: Americana, Roadhouse Country, Indie & Lo-Fi Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 744302011424 |
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Search - Rex Hobart & Misery Boys :: Empty House
 | Rex Hobart & Misery Boys Empty House Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Pop
This Kansas City quintet, together since 1997, long ago established their flair for honky-tonk minimalism delivered with finesse and free of campy, self-conscious imitation. On their fourth album, 11 numbers--all but one o... more » |
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Amazon.com This Kansas City quintet, together since 1997, long ago established their flair for honky-tonk minimalism delivered with finesse and free of campy, self-conscious imitation. On their fourth album, 11 numbers--all but one originals--are concise and tailored to fit Hobart's tense George Jones/Johnny Paycheck phrasing as he explores the nooks and crannies of romantic strife. He warns on "Don't Make Me Break Your Heart," and captures sorrow morphing to anger on a 1960s Paycheck cover, "It Won't Be Long (And I'll Be Hating You)." Paycheck's particular style of angst lives on in "I Don't Like That Mirror's" thoughtful, reflective bitterness. The subtly humorous "The Tear I Left Behind" effectively detours into shuffle-swing, and the album ends with "Black Iron Bridge," an abbreviated blockbuster of a suicide number. The Misery Boys share Hobart's sense of economy. T.C. Dobbs and Blackjack Snow are a solid rhythm section; guitarist J.B. Morris and steel guitarist Solomon Hofer shine by knowing when not to play. If there's one real-life tragedy, it's that the mainstream hasn't yet discovered these guys. --Rich Kienzle Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsForget the mainstream. Enjoy the real thing. Max E. Raines | Lancaster, Ohio U.S.A. | 03/14/2005 (4 out of 5 stars) "This, to my knowledge, is the fourth release by Rex Hobart and The Misery Boys. The first, "Forever Always Ends," has a demo quality but does contain some promising songwriting. "The Spectacular Sadness Of...." is a well-rounded effort if a bit too tame. On their third, "Your Favorite Fool," Rex Hobart And The Misery Boys really hit their stride. This is nothing short of a hillbily magnum opus, full of kick-ass riffs and alternately heartbreaking and hilarious lyrics and singing that miraculously avoid caricature. "Your Favorite Fool" is a totally over the top piece of honky-tonk skronk.
The new one, "Empty House," is a more textured and focused collection that displays a relaxed, confident maturity. Rex Hobart's songwriting is solidly creative and The Misery Boys have become a powerful, sympathetic band. Their brand of country music resonates with influences from Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Gary Stewart (check out "I've Got A Heartache To Hide"). Who know, perhaps these guys will transcend their status as critics' darlings. I, for one, certainly hope so. This talent deserves widespread exposure. In a more just world, pop country bufoons like Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith would be hanging their heads in shame after listening to Rex Hobart And The Misery Boys. Max Raines, aging raconteur/flat earth theorist" |
