Brothers and Sisters

I discovered Brothers and Sisters at a Black Angels concert (another great Austin band) and ever since, I've been hooked. There is not a bad song on this album, only a few ( and I mean very few) botched vocal harmonies.

Wonderful album. I first heard Will Courtney (guitar, vocals) when he opened for Jeff Tweedy's solo show in Marfa, accompanied only by a steel guitar player. He mostly performed the songs on this album, and a few new ones. The songs were moving and heartfelt, and he explained that the band usually has eight members. "We're thrilled to be here - we're just like you, we're nobodies!" The crowd (me included) loved him. I bought this CD at the show, and the performances were even better on the album, with the whole band--fiddles, back-up vocals, etc.. The production on the album is wonderful. "Old Love Letters" is poignant; "Sunday Living" is a simple-hearted challenge to the way we live. I listen to this album over and over. You probably will too.

This is a gem of an album. Discover what I've known for years - Will Courtney is a heck of a songwriter. Highlights include New Life (That's New Life, not Light, get it straight Itunes), Los Angeles and Without You (which just so happens to appear in my film THESE DAYS). Get yer credit card out and buy these songs, lickety split. Dukes forever.

Many people, myself included, will go on for hours about the current state of popular music. Brothers and Sisters blend an eclectic blend of folk, country, pop and psychedelics. At times (One Night) the vocal blends and arrangements reeks of such groups as The Mamas and The Papas. Other times (Sunday Living) they have a clear country twang. If you're a fan of Donna the Buffalo, Neil Young and many 60's folk/rock/blues bands... check these guys out. If you can, do yourself a huge favor and see them live!

Brothers and Sisters put out some wonderful tunes. I'm glad to have found them.