Buttermilk & Rifles
This side project from one of theGourds' singer-songwriters extends the communal interplay of that organically eclectic Austin band. In addition to his fellow Gourd-mates, Russell enlists kindred spirits includingJon Dee Graham(on lap steel guitar), the female-harmonizingDamnations,Bad Liversbassist Mark Rubin, and bottleneck blues guitaristSteve Jamesto put some loops into traditional American roots. Highlights extend from the snaky New Orleans groove of "Virgin of the Cobra" to the melodic balladry of "Imbibing My Prescriptions," graced by Debra Kelly's harmony and Max Johnston's fiddle. While Russell's vocals occasionally recall Levon Helm's from theBand--to whom the Gourds are often compared--"(Somebody Bring Me a Flower) I'm a Robot" sounds more like psychedelic Hee Haw.--Don McLeese