Dallas based band Old 97’s have been one of the key alternative country/rock bands since their arrival on the music scene in the early ‘90s. Although they never really achieved the level of commercial success that was at one time expected of them, they have stuck around and have managed to stay true to their sound. Part of the band’s unique sound is based on their wide range of influences; from Johnny Cash to The Kinks. Blame It On Gravity is their seventh studio album.
Their alt-country sound really comes out on "This Beautiful Thing." Miller proves once again that he can craft a great melody with nothing more than his voice if needed with his sometimes aching, sometimes lazy, and always ragged but smooth sounding voice. This track is one of the more pleasant and melodic songs on the album. Every note on this song could play at a summer picnic and set the mood perfectly.
Perhaps the most beautiful song on Gravity is the soft acoustic ballad "Color Of A Lonely Heart Is Blue." It has the typical tumbling rhythm that can be found in many country songs over the years. Thankfully, the band playing over that rhythm is the Old 97’s and not some typical country artist. The song is so relaxing that it’s almost impossible to listen to this dreamy song and not get images of night time.
Blame It On Gravity is without a doubt an archetypal Old 97’s album. If you’re a fan, this is great news, considering this release is full of alt-country glory, with every song so distinct that you know it’s the same band that had steady releases through the middle and latter part of the ‘90s. While not every song is a gem, every song is the Old 97’s, and that’s a damn in itself.
