Search - The Tractors :: The Tractors

Raw rural music that rocks

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 07/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lead singer Steve Ripley has a rough, rustic voice that has its limitations but is very distinctive, so it's the kind of voice you love or hate. Whatever you think of Steve's voice, what really makes this album is the outstanding quality of the songs and the musicians. As well as singing, Steve also plays guitars and drums. Three of the four other members of the Tractors are multi-instrumentalists so even within the group there are plenty of instruments that they can choose to use. Even so, various guest musicians join in on selected tracks.



The album is book-ended by The Tulsa shuffle, featuring Bonnie Raitt (slide guitar) and J J Cale (guitar) among guest musicians. Two verses sandwiched by the chorus open the album and a different two verses sandwiched by the chorus close the album - the closing track is titled The Tulsa shuffle (revisited). Taken as a whole, the song mentions many types of music but makes clear where the group's roots and influences come from - a mix of western swing and rock'n'roll. The album includes covers of Thirty days (Chuck Berry) and Setting the woods on fire (Hank Williams) but all the other songs are originals.



Between the two halves of that song are many other wonderful songs, some of which are lightweight fun songs but others have a serious message, especially Little man, which pokes fun at bankers, taxmen and politicians, inviting them to see a different side of life in the hope that they would understand the problems of people less fortunate than themselves. Nevertheless, this is mostly a fun album. Highlights among the other songs include I've had enough, Baby likes to rock it, Falling apart and Trying to get to New Orleans.



There are plenty of great songs here although you are not meant to take most of them too seriously. If you are looking for sad, heartbreaking songs, you won't find them here. If you want good-time country music, you'll get plenty here."

Pure Dead Brilliant Boogie

rraabfaber | Albuquerque, NM USA | 06/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The word 'boogie' says it all. This is a great album, and I'll join the chorus in saying 'Baby Likes to Rock it' is primo. You'll find yourself playing that cut over and over. I also like the tune (I might not be broke, but I'm) "Badly Bent". I actually own this on Cassette, and even on that, the production is absolutely amazing!! If the CD is anything like the cassette, it's worth getting just to hear the clarity. If you are a fan of Little Feat or The Band, you will love this CD.WARNING: Don't play this song while you are driving unless you want to get a ticket for driving as fast as you can go."

Let's BOOGIE!!!

Ruth A. Caldwell | Walnut Creek, CA United States | 03/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a recent fan of the Tractors, (due to hearing them on the radio on my way to work; could hardly contain myself during "Baby Likes to Rock it")! This is a great example of western swing and rock'n'roll; good-time country music



The music is upbeat with old-time boogie piano accompaniment. It's reminiscent of old time rock-n-roll. "The Little Man" is a great jab at... well, listen to it! GRIN!!!!



Reviewer "transitfan, BBC, CA" said it best... "This is one of the best rockin' albums ever cut. Listen to it and you'll know why this went double platinum in record time. "Baby Likes To Rock It" is the best cut (and inspired "Santa Likes to Rock It" on their Christmas album), but cuts like "The Tulsa Shuffle" and "Tryin' To Get New Orleans" showcase the excellent individual talent in the group. My only disappointment is that it takes too long for them to release new material!"



Looking to go dancing? THIS is the best!

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