Search - Warren Brothers :: Well Deserved Obscurity

A Contender For 2004's Best Album!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 08/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who would have thought reality T.V. would be good for something? Among all the bug-eating, attitude, you-know-it-ain't-gonna-last "romances" and bickering, it's hard to believe something worthwhile has emerged! First off, we have a pretty strong debut release from Nashville Star winner Brad Cotter. More importantly, we have the introduction of the Warren Brothers to a much larger audience. This rock & country hybrid duo (who've released two previous, albeit ignored, CDs) are, without a doubt, one of the strongest musical finds in the last five years, while WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY is a definite candidate for 2004's Album of the Year. Unique, original, creative and fun, you just don't hear music this strong all that often nowadays. Picture the musical child of Steve Earle and Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Rodney Crowell as it's spiritual godfather! The disc opens with the captivating "Comeback." With it's swirling keyboards and jangling guitars, this ode to the good old days can be viewed as both a wry commentary to the social ills of the day or as a heartfelt love song. Brett Warren's guttsy vocals cap things off perfectly. In a perfect world, this is a hit single waiting to happen! Next up is the dark "Between The River and Me", one of the best story-songs on the disc. Like a fly on the wall, you're drawn in as the song's fifteen year old narrator lets us in on a dark secret. Alternating between folksy bluegrass picking and angry rock trashing, the song grabs you by the throat and won't let go. Another stand-out cut! "Change" is yet another strong cut. A frequent theme throughout much of WDO is the notion that, if you just hang in there, things will get better. Anchored by a brilliant arrangement, the song weaves in and out of lyrics that paint a picture of a man shot down, a man who...just...can't...cut...it - but who refuses to give up. When Brett cleverly wails "Ah...could you spare a little...change?", you know exactly what it means, and you're rooting for him! "Southern Baptist Heartbreak" has a jaunty lilt to it, very much in contrast to it's scathing lyrics. A biting commentary on Southern hypocrisy and backstabbing and whispering, this track is sort of a "Harper Valley PTA" 30 years later! Another fun story-song! Up next is the mournful ballad "Goodbye To Neverland", which features an aching, emotionally-drenched vocal from Brett, and the pulsating "Pretty." With a throbing bassline and stinging guitar work, the searing lyrics hit twice as hard. Lines such as "$7,000.00 for a new nose/Twice as much for fashion to look ghetto/She puts money into therapy/To make her feel O.K./And pennies in her panties so that she won't blow away" and "He has to stay in shape to pay for free love/Ecstasy is cheaper at the health club/He keeps a girl beside him/As proof that he is straight/Issues with his father/Say he could go either way" are made all the more powerful by the time Brett turns the camera on himself: "Blatant contridictions hide my insecurity/I choose to look at you/So I don't have to look at me." The icing on the cake is the clever chorus, a piece of smart writing that makes it clear, at least in this case, that "pretty" goes far beyond looks, in many, many ways. One of WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY's best cuts! "Sell A Lot Of Beer" is a rollicking cut about paying your dues in dives and gin joints....and enjoying it! You may not sell a lot of records, but you do sell...well, you get it! As good as the song is, though, I question releasing it as WDO's first single; there's a depth to the CD that's only hinted at on "...Beer", and it's good-time vibe might cause people to short-change the disc, which would be a shame. "Trouble Is" is one of the most gorgeous, literate break-up songs written in the last decade, and another candidate for hit singlehood! "Quarter To Three" is a slice of Southern fried boogie. If your butt isn't moving and your arms aren't in the air by song's end.....well, I'm sorry, friend, but you're DEAD!! "Little Savior Of Brooklyn" has a nice, even-paced shuffle to it, which is only made stronger by the picturesque lyrics. "Running Out Of Heroes" is a tender, hushed piece of thoughtfulness with a very clear message...we all need to be saved/rescued by someone at some point in our lives, while "Liquid Confidence" (which features some awesome picking from Brad Warren!) is fun, sad and sly, all at the same time. The disc ends with the wistful longing of "The Lucky." You can bet this gem will be covered by other artists for years to come! Finally, as per all my reviews for 2004 releases, I have to dock the disc half a star for not including the lyrics. That, however, is a minor point....if Brett and Brad continue to release CDs as strong as WELL DESERVED OBSCURITY, the Warren Brothers will have earned the right to kiss obscurity good-bye and settle into some well-deserved notoriety."

Very Well Deserved!!

Jef Fazekas | 06/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw the Warren Brothers as judges on Nashville Star. They look like county rockers with a sense of humor. I just bought there CD and it totallly rocks!!! Every song is a winner and could stand alone as top 10 singles. Every song is a favorite of mine. I just love Goodbye to Neverland, the tune and lyrics go deep to your soul. I would pay good money to see the Warren Brothers in concert. This CD is the absolute best by far. My husband doesn't like country at all, but he likes this CD and listens to it often. That says a lot!!! The Warren Brothers are totally hot, with a bad boy image (very nice) and I hope your next CD rocks with as much awesome power and soul and this one. Great job!!!! Love you guys."

Kid Rock & Uncle Kracker wish they did it this good!!!

jasontko | Churchville, Maryland United States | 07/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Ryan Adams is considered a prolific songwriter, then these guys are 10 times better. They are that good. Their lyrics are brilliant. The wordplay is sharp, the hooks are infectious, and it is truly an artistic achievement. If Coldplay is considered so "brilliant" by all the cool pop artists and fans, well they havent heard this yet. The Warren Brothers are amazing. If you hear "Sell a lot of Beer" and chalk them up to that kind of Honky Tonk, Montgomery Gentry-type country rock, you are selling them short. I bought it for "Sell a lot of Beer" and it isnt even close to my favorite track now. This is how Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock wish they could do country flavored rock and roll music. Only in their dreams could they be the Warren Brothers. Buy this album!!"