Of all the great bands that came out of the 1990s alt-country boom, the Old 97's were the one that seemed least bound to what became the conventions of the genre -- in a scene full of would-be Gene Vincents, they were four Buddy Hollys, guys who knew how to rock out, but weren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves and toss some sweet pop melodies in with their Texas-style fusion of regular-guy honky tonk and nervy rock & roll. After the Old 97's tenure with Elektra Records ended following 2001's Satellite Rides, ...
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Of all the great bands that came out of the 1990s alt-country boom, the Old 97's were the one that seemed least bound to what became the conventions of the genre -- in a scene full of would-be Gene Vincents, they were four Buddy Hollys, guys who knew how to rock out, but weren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves and toss some sweet pop melodies in with their Texas-style fusion of regular-guy honky tonk and nervy rock & roll. After the Old 97's tenure with Elektra Records ended following 2001's Satellite Rides, they continued to make albums, and good ones at that, but they didn't hit the target quite the same way, and as lead singer Rhett Miller began dividing his time between the band and a solo career, a certain tight focus seemed to fade from their music. Thankfully, The Grand Theatre, Vol. 1 is where the Old 97's get their old mojo back. If it's not radically different in terms of songwriting or arrangement than Drag It Up or Blame It on Gravity, there's a taut energy on songs like "The Magician," "Every Night Is Friday Night (Without You)," and "A State of Texas" that this band hasn't summoned in close to a decade, and the moodier numbers such as "Let the Whiskey Take the Reins" and "Love Is What You Are" speak from the heart and soul of a guy who's in love and not liking it, with an uncanny ear for the details. Miller's vocals sound tough and honest throughout, Ken Bethea's guitar work is simple, solid, and fits the spaces just right, and Murray Hammond and Phillip Peeples still serve up some of the most indefatigable shuffles on the planet. And not every band has the talent and the gall to rewrite "Desolation Row" and make it click, but the Old 97's achieve that lofty goal on "Champaign, Illinois." Saying The Grand Theatre, Vol. 1 is a return to form unnecessarily belittles the last few Old 97's albums that came before it, but calling it their best album since Fight Songs is just about right. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
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Add this copy of The Grand Theatre Volume One to cart. $3.98, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by New West.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of The Grand Theatre Volume One to cart. $3.99, good condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by New West.
Add this copy of The Grand Theatre Volume One to cart. $4.45, fair condition, Sold by GoodwillVSB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Oxnard, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by New West.
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Fair. This is a USED ITEM. The CD may have minor SCUFFS or SCRATCHES but is expected to function properly. The packaging has some damage which may include CRACKS, CHIPS or SCRATCHES. Thank you for supporting Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara County in our mission to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families through education, skills training, and the power of employment. OUR MEDIA HAS NOT BEEN TESTED. WE CLEAN OUR DISK FOR MINOR SCRACTHES.
Add this copy of The Grand Theatre Volume One to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by New West Records.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Grand Theatre Volume One to cart. $7.14, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by New West.