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    • Band of Heathens offers clichéd country sounds

    Abstract:
    It may have been the fact that country music eats away at me from within every time I hear it or the band itself, but the self-titled CD from Band of Heathens just didn't cut it for me.
    The local Austin group will put out its first studio album May 20 after being dubbed "best new band" at the Austin Music Awards last year....

    • Displaying 1 - 35 of 35

    JerryJeff51

    posted 3/09/08 @ 12:37 PM CST

    Shaina, Shaina, Shaina,

    The Band of Heathens' song "Cornbread" has NOTHING to do with boring, real cornbread, at all, as you state in your review (I agree butterring cornbread, and sticky fingers in the dough, etc, is normally boring). But, you need to listen to the song a few more times to cut through your naïveté'!! ;-) Or, you need to go to one of their live shows and watch all the ladies in the audience listening to Cornbread "get it" after a verse or two (and those naughty smiles suddenly appear!). Your not "getting it" with Cornbread also explains the rest of your dismissive review of a genre' (Texas singer/songwriters) that you must not really understand at all -- since you seem to really like Michael Jackson (from a previous review of yours).

    Yes, The Band of Heathens was voted "Best New Band" at 2007 Austin music awards at SXSW. MORE IMPORTANTLY, though, they were awarded second place for "Best Band" overall (NOT just best NEW band) just behind first place band (and multiple Grammy-award winner over the past 25 years) 'Asleep at the Wheel'. Garnering these two major awards does not happen at such a gigantic, world-wide event like Austin's SXSW for no good reason at all -- not to mention the 13 other top ten awards they received. You need to watch their DVD, "Live at Antones," also... you'll see.

    JJ51
    Post a reply to this comment

    Ronnie

    posted 3/11/08 @ 9:13 AM CST

    Originally posted by

    JerryJeff51

     Shaina, Shaina, Shaina,

    The Band of Heathens' song "Cornbread" has NOTHING to do with boring, real cornbread, at all, as you state in your review (I agree butterring cornbread, and sticky fingers in the dough, etc, is normally boring). But, you need to listen to the song a few more times to cut through your naïveté'!! ;-) Or, you need to go to one of their live shows and watch all the ladies in the audience listening to Cornbread "get it" after a verse or two (and those naughty smiles suddenly appear!). Your not "getting it" with Cornbread also explains the rest of your dismissive review of a genre' (Texas singer/songwriters) that you must not really understand at all -- since you seem to really like Michael Jackson (from a previous review of yours).

    Yes, The Band of Heathens was voted "Best New Band" at 2007 Austin music awards at SXSW. MORE IMPORTANTLY, though, they were awarded second place for "Best Band" overall (NOT just best NEW band) just behind first place band (and multiple Grammy-award winner over the past 25 years) 'Asleep at the Wheel'. Garnering these two major awards does not happen at such a gigantic, world-wide event like Austin's SXSW for no good reason at all -- not to mention the 13 other top ten awards they received. You need to watch their DVD, "Live at Antones," also... you'll see.

    JJ51


    Shark,

    Hey bud, when you're calling someone retarded, you should probably check that your post has proper syntax and doesn't have any spelling errors. You make yourself, and the band you are so weakly defending, look even worse than you already do. I love how reviews lend themselves to personal attacks, and what the fuck is "cornbred" anyway?

    Haven't YOU ever taken a literature class?
    Post a reply to this comment

    Shark

    posted 3/12/08 @ 9:09 PM CST

    Originally posted by

    JerryJeff51

     Shaina, Shaina, Shaina,

    The Band of Heathens' song "Cornbread" has NOTHING to do with boring, real cornbread, at all, as you state in your review (I agree butterring cornbread, and sticky fingers in the dough, etc, is normally boring). But, you need to listen to the song a few more times to cut through your naïveté'!! ;-) Or, you need to go to one of their live shows and watch all the ladies in the audience listening to Cornbread "get it" after a verse or two (and those naughty smiles suddenly appear!). Your not "getting it" with Cornbread also explains the rest of your dismissive review of a genre' (Texas singer/songwriters) that you must not really understand at all -- since you seem to really like Michael Jackson (from a previous review of yours).

    Yes, The Band of Heathens was voted "Best New Band" at 2007 Austin music awards at SXSW. MORE IMPORTANTLY, though, they were awarded second place for "Best Band" overall (NOT just best NEW band) just behind first place band (and multiple Grammy-award winner over the past 25 years) 'Asleep at the Wheel'. Garnering these two major awards does not happen at such a gigantic, world-wide event like Austin's SXSW for no good reason at all -- not to mention the 13 other top ten awards they received. You need to watch their DVD, "Live at Antones," also... you'll see.

    JJ51


    [That would be grammar not literature. I did not spell check, sorry. However, based on content not formatting or spelling accuracy, the reviewer was way off target and obviously does not understand the message or the lyrics. If you don't know what "cornbread" refers to in the song you either have not listened to it or you are really, really naive or mentally challenged. Have you even listened to the song?

    Further, I am not defending the band. Their distinguished awards, immense popularity, ever growing fan base and great music more than serve that purpose. Lastly, I am not calling her a retard the illogical and error laden review coupled with her shallow minded assessment of talent preclude the necessity of such name calling.

    Shark
    Post a reply to this comment

    Tweek

    posted 7/28/09 @ 6:31 PM CST

    You're a dumbass


    Originally posted by

    JerryJeff51

     Shaina, Shaina, Shaina,

    The Band of Heathens' song "Cornbread" has NOTHING to do with boring, real cornbread, at all, as you state in your review (I agree butterring cornbread, and sticky fingers in the dough, etc, is normally boring). But, you need to listen to the song a few more times to cut through your naïveté'!! ;-) Or, you need to go to one of their live shows and watch all the ladies in the audience listening to Cornbread "get it" after a verse or two (and those naughty smiles suddenly appear!). Your not "getting it" with Cornbread also explains the rest of your dismissive review of a genre' (Texas singer/songwriters) that you must not really understand at all -- since you seem to really like Michael Jackson (from a previous review of yours).

    Yes, The Band of Heathens was voted "Best New Band" at 2007 Austin music awards at SXSW. MORE IMPORTANTLY, though, they were awarded second place for "Best Band" overall (NOT just best NEW band) just behind first place band (and multiple Grammy-award winner over the past 25 years) 'Asleep at the Wheel'. Garnering these two major awards does not happen at such a gigantic, world-wide event like Austin's SXSW for no good reason at all -- not to mention the 13 other top ten awards they received. You need to watch their DVD, "Live at Antones," also... you'll see.

    JJ51
    Post a reply to this comment

    Jay

    posted 3/15/08 @ 12:27 PM CST

    This is indeed great music!
    Shaina, I believe you really missed it here. There is a richness in sound that is genuine. You miss the sweetness of the melodies. If my 60+ years of listening to music tell me anything it is this: great music can be listened to from yesterday, today and tomorrow. If what you call "cliches" are woven into great stories or songs then make please make mine as such forever.
    I get very concerned when I hear great music bashed by those who are "supposed to know."
    I'm not sure if its generational, or simply a jaundiced view of how music should be created, but you do miss the point in this album. There is definitely an integrity to this music. I do question the credibility and knowledge of the critic here.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Ken

    posted 3/15/08 @ 1:05 PM CST

    This is magnificent music. I do believe that if you had a seasoned ear, you would hear that talent of this group is undeniable. This is music that is beautifully crafted. Did you have an opportunity to listen to "Jackson Station?"
    First, to describe the music as country is disingenuous.
    This is American roots music at its best. In addition, this band needs to be seen live.
    Dear critic, I don't know who you are, but I suspect you have not had an opportunity to listen to American roots music for very long, because this is undeniably the best that I've heard in many years.
    It's a shame that simply making "different" or non traditional music is fashionable. I do feel that somewhere in our educational process that great American music, which is truly our "fine art" is being neglected. This music has soul, blues, folk, country and great roots within it. Anyone with a decent musical background can immediately discern the greatness of this work.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Brian Stephens

    posted 3/15/08 @ 2:45 PM CST

    You definitely don't speak for Denton.

    I question the credibility of any alleged music critic that makes closed-minded declarations like "country music eats away at me from within every time I hear it" to begin a review. Why would someone review an album from a genre she hates only to bash it for being an album of that genre? I'll tell you what's cliché: the too-cool-for-school making fun of country music. This review belongs on a personal blog, not a newspaper.

    I'd never heard of this band, but their Myspace page says they're coming to Dan's Silverleaf on March 21.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Jim Donovan

    posted 3/15/08 @ 4:41 PM CST

    Let me begin by saying that I have personally seen the Band of Heathens live. They are an amazing group of talented artists.I wholeheartedly agree with Brian. There is a musical immaturity to how this review was written. It seemingly would be written by an individual who has very little experience in American roots music. Perhaps we should demand better of our critical writers than child-like babble. I suggest that the author listen to the music, and study American roots music in earnest before presenting herself as a critical authority. I too agree that her comments belong in a blog.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Regina

    posted 3/19/08 @ 5:53 PM CST

    Shaina, girl, I have the number of a great ENT doctor, apparently your hearing is greatly impaired. The Band of Heathens are an amazing group of talented musicians and songwriters. Have you ever heard them live and in person? No? well you need to. As for Colin's voice being scratchy? OMG!!! the rest of the world as we know it thinks it's rich and sexy. I seriously think you need to re-evaluate yourself as a music critic.......one day when they are accepting their first Grammy or CMA we are all gonna say....see I told ya so!!
    Post a reply to this comment

    Sandy Freund

    posted 3/20/08 @ 4:05 PM CST

    This is about the finest American music that is being crafted today. It's amazing that a critic could malign this music relative to two songs that she contemplates. I suggest that you go back and truly listen to this music and please do not apply a psuedo-intellectual critique of these artists. Simply listen to the music and allow yourself to grow musically from this brilliant group of singer/songwriters. Texas is truly blessed to have individuals who are creating music with truth and authenticity.
    And, how fortunate we are to have the band of heathens so close by. It is this archetype of musical indivduals who have artistic courage and simply don't play to the school kids attempt at musical art. In short, it is talent of this nature that defines great American Music. The Band of Heathens are truly a musical treasure. Their music has the "stuff" that greatness is made of.
    I suggest Shaina that you educate and immerse herself in American music before professing to be a critic. A critic should have validity. It is not merely an opinion. A critique becomes more often a duty that requires due diligence and painstaking care before lending a critical summary. It is integrity that is at stake when we critique and judge. Thank you
    Post a reply to this comment

    SABA

    posted 3/22/08 @ 8:24 AM CST

    I saw these guys last night at Dan's Silverleaf. People from Denton do yourself a favor. Go see the band of heathens and watch a live performance. These guys are beyond great! They are amazingly gifted artists! Thank God there is music like this still being created!
    There is a rich, soulful experience in seeing these guys perform live.
    There is a passion for the crafting and performance of their music. Great, great artistry.
    Thank you Band of Heathens for the great performance
    Post a reply to this comment

    Shark

    posted 3/30/08 @ 8:53 PM CST

    Apparently most music buffs disagree with you Shaina. You really should not be touting your opinon as a Music Review as someone might mistakably think you are qualified to render a bonafide critic's review. A legitimate Wine Critic can render a Review after years of experience at tasting and comparing hundreds of wines. Just as a Food Critic can render Resturant Reviews after years of experience and culenary knowledge. You however are young, inexperienced and obviously not knowledgable in the field of Music. While I respect everyone's right to an opinon as to whether they like or dislike certain music, food or wine, no one should tout their opinion as a Review without the credentials to do so. That is exactly what you have tried to do. I suggest you properly rephrase your comments about this extrodinary Band as an opinon and put it on a blog where it belongs.

    Shark
    Post a reply to this comment

    BC

    posted 3/30/08 @ 10:40 PM CST

    "Shark," I'm curious as to what years of critiquing critiques that you have done to make your opinion about Shaina legitimate. It would probably be a good idea to acquire the credentials to critique anything before critiquing it, if you get my drift.

    If you don't, just understand that it's an endless cycle. She wrote a review, and sometimes the reviewer doesn't agree with the majority. What would you guys rather she do, reformat her opinion so that it matches the masses? What's the point of a review, then? She gave her opinion.

    There have been some horrible reviews in the NT Daily. I've read them. The film reviews often verge on fluff-piece. However, this is not one of those terrible reviews. She didn't like it, and gave plenty of reasons for it. If you don't like it, that's fine, but saying that she doesn't know anything about music because you don't agree with her is downright immature.
    -BC
    Post a reply to this comment

    Jill

    posted 4/05/08 @ 10:04 AM CST

    Actually the critic did not give legitimate reasons for not liking this album. She admits that she approached it with bias, and speaks of only two songs reviewed. It's not a question of the critic changing the article to conform to the majority, it's simply that a critic should be taken to task when the critique lacks substance.
    The critic seems to lack a basic understanding of Americana music, in that she defines the music as country, when clearly it is not. The genre encompasses much more than simply country...there is rock, roots, country, blues and soul in this music.
    My impression is that the critic either gave the music little listening time, or simply led with a biased, negative emotion based on her false perception that the music's idiom was country.
    Finally, it is our duty to take criticism to task when the criticism is baseless and unreasonable. We should expect more from people who have been put in a position to review someone's art and craft and to give credible dialogue to that art. I believe here the critic's words belong in a blog that is made for opinion. In many ways, it makes us all critics. If the dialogue that we are having here helps the critic and the audience to become better listeners of music, then much has been accomplished.
    I would suggest however, (and I understand that this is a college newspaper), that the critic educate herself to the amazing roots music that we as Americans have. I believe one of the readers referred to our American Music as "America's Fine Art". I agree with that statement, and for those who have had the pleasure to see The Band of Heathens perform live, it is clear that their music is truly some of America's best, easily definable as America's Fine Art.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Brandon johnson

    posted 5/07/08 @ 6:17 PM CST

    Originally posted by

    BC

     "Shark," I'm curious as to what years of critiquing critiques that you have done to make your opinion about Shaina legitimate. It would probably be a good idea to acquire the credentials to critique anything before critiquing it, if you get my drift.

    If you don't, just understand that it's an endless cycle. She wrote a review, and sometimes the reviewer doesn't agree with the majority. What would you guys rather she do, reformat her opinion so that it matches the masses? What's the point of a review, then? She gave her opinion.

    There have been some horrible reviews in the NT Daily. I've read them. The film reviews often verge on fluff-piece. However, this is not one of those terrible reviews. She didn't like it, and gave plenty of reasons for it. If you don't like it, that's fine, but saying that she doesn't know anything about music because you don't agree with her is downright immature.
    -BC


    I agree with Jill on this one. The Band of Heathens is an incredible group of talented musicians. You don't win best band in Austin, "THE live music capital of the world", for no reason at all. And most importantly, The Band of Heathens is NOT a country band as whats-er-face (reporter) so profoundly dubs their genre. They are the amalgamation of many different styles of music. She (reporter) clearly doesn't like this style of music, so don't take her (reporter) review of THIS band to heart. Go see them live. They play at least 4 days a week somewhere in Texas or elsewhere.
    Post a reply to this comment

    ERIK

    posted 5/08/08 @ 12:27 AM CST

    Are all the people who like this music on here anglo/white?

    I'd like to see a black folk listen to this and see if these cats have soul or not.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Taylor

    posted 5/08/08 @ 3:25 PM CST

    No no, I think Shaina nailed it on the head.

    Country really isn't my thing, but I can still respect unique music, whatever it is. They're talented sure, but does that make them a good band? Most would agree Mariah Carey is talented, but does she make good music?
    That's debatable.
    All I heard on this record were overused blues/country structures that have already been perfected by better bands decades ago.

    I guess some appreciate progress more than others.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Dillon Johnstone

    posted 5/08/08 @ 9:39 PM CST

    ONly thing I have to say is... Regardless of whether or not the critic did her job correctly, apparently many people think she didn't... Or maybe she did since she gave her own opinion about the music, which is usually what any critic does whenever they become a critic for whatever it is they are criticising.

    She did her job, I'm not going to belittle her review, or any of the such. I'm not even going to open my ear to the formentioned band. HOWEVER! I will say, that in order to even attempt to persuade the people that are readding your critiques... Don't start out with such a negative opening because it makes it blatantly obvious that you didn't give the band a fair chance at all, and at the very most, a severely biased opinion.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Val Torn

    posted 5/31/08 @ 9:38 AM CST

    Apparently the critic missed the point here and biased her critique with her own admonition.
    It's incredible, I'm looking on the Americana Charts and see that this album has posted to #14. Quite amazing, considering the competition, Van Morrison, John Hiatt, Robert Plant and Allison Krause. I've also been reading nothing but favorable critiques.
    I think its time for two things. 1)deliver a valid critique with no bias. If there is a bias, (and we all have them), please don't critique the project and honor that there is a conflict in the critique.
    2) Please understand the genesis, history and roots of the music that you are critiquing. This is Americana Music. It is not simply country. There are many moving parts to this music, and may I add it is not simple. In fact the music is quite complex and subtle. There is an honest and integrity in this music
    Post a reply to this comment

    critics choice

    posted 6/09/08 @ 8:34 AM CST

    THIS IS HOW A SEASONED CRITIC, AND ONE WHO TRULY UNDERSTANDS ROOTS MUSIC VIEWS THE BAND OF HEATHENS BODY OF WORK
    Publisher: Eric Olsen
    REVIEW
    Music Review: The Band of Heathens - The Band of Heathens
    Written by The Masked Movie Snobs
    Published June 05, 2008
    Written by Fumo Verde

    I grew up on the country sounds of Willie, Waylon, Hank, and Merle and representing the ladies, Patsy, Dolly, and the sweet Miss Loretta. Acquiring a taste for the new sound of country kind of made me throw up in my mouth just a little bit, and why after Sept. 11 did every other song have to be about God, country, and family values? Thank reason for the Band of Heathens. Here comes a fresh style of county with genuine lyrics and a steady southern beat. Coming out of Texas after being noticed at the Austin Music Awards as one of the best new bands, these Heathens slowed down to make this self-titled debut. So crack open a cold one or pack a freshy-fresh bowl and get ready to enjoy some country music Austin-style.

    "Don't Call On Me" opens up the disc with a perpetual rhythm that will get your feet tapping as the guitar strumming feeds the beat of the drums. Clever lyrics tell the story of everyday life and someone who is fed up with it too. Nothing too complex, which is good when doing a first album because it gives people something to identify with, and this brings us in. Songs such as "Jackson Station" and "Maple Tears" have that down-home southern twang with instruments, such as the lapsteel, mandolin, and Dobro. "Maple Tears" has that "Home on the Range" vibe with a slight hint of Delta Blues. This song alone gave me goose bumps. Patty Griffin adds her lovely voice, lending a lonely soul feel and a sense of realism to the lyrics. This whole album has a deep soul to it, even on the one song I considered the "radio friendly" tune, "Heart on my Sleeve," and I'm finding myself humming the chorus in my head every now and then.

    For a first album the Heathens did a fine job with tender songs like "40 Days" and fun songs such as "Cornbread," and though "40 Days" seems like a biblical reference the song talks about loving someone through a turbulent world. Again, Patty Griffin joins in and really gives it an emotional bump as a duet.

    "Second Line" is another with a Delta Blues feel as the lyrics tell the tale of drunken debauchery over a backdrop sound of mandolin along with slide guitar played by Ray Wylie Hubbard, who helped produce the album. Gurf Morlix adds pump organ, which breathes a sultry sound, giving the tune a gritty taste.

    "Hallelujah" closes out the eleven-track disc as the tale is told that for this band, the road is their saving grace and from what I have read about them, these katz are an "On The Road Again" band. From this CD alone I would highly recommend seeing the Band of Heathens live as I also highly recommend The Band of Heathens. I used to feel that mainstream sound of country was as down to earth as cow shit in the meadow, but now with these Heathens out there making music such as this, that has all changed. Get the CD and go see them if they come by you.

    This is Fumo Verde saying that I like my cornbread in the morning.

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    Music Review: The Band of Heathens - The Band of Heathens
    Published: June 05, 2008
    Type: Review
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    Filed Under: Music: Country and Americana, Review
    Writer: The Masked Movie Snobs
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    #1 -- June 6, 2008 @ 09:45AM -- TK [URL]
    I've seen them live and heard tracks on the radio, and wow. I completely agree, Fumo, Band of Heathens is a great new band to watch.

    Austin's public radio (KUT is known for carefully selecting a series of music to set up insightful segues) played a rare track from "The Band" and moved right into Band of Heathens. Different, but complementary. If you keep The Band in heavy rotation when you shuffle your music tracks, I highly recommend adding Band of Heathens to the mix.

    #2 -- June 6, 2008 @ 16:41PM -- Record Raven
    Ok, took your advise and could not agree more. These guys are great. This is the freshest new sound I have heard in a long time. If they keep writing and recording songs like these, they are destined for stardom. Caught their show at Gruene Hall and they are even better live.

    #3 -- June 6, 2008 @ 16:45PM -- El Bicho [URL]
    How did you take Fumo's advice if you already saw them live, which I am presuming was before the review was posted last night?

    #4 -- June 6, 2008 @ 23:37PM -- Record Raven
    Bought the newest CD man.

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    Post a reply to this comment

    nananana

    posted 6/09/08 @ 12:35 PM CST

    THIS TYPE OF WHITE PEOPLE MUSIC SUX.
    Post a reply to this comment

    txmusiclover

    posted 6/27/08 @ 12:45 AM CST

    nanananana,
    rap sux.

    All,
    Everyone has an "opinion". nanananan has an opinion (eloquently expressed). Obviously Shaina has an "opinion." Problem is, most of us don't get a collumn in the paper to express an "opinion" on a HIGHLY subjective issue.
    For instance, I know nothing about, say, Jazz or RAP. I might love it, or I might hate it. But, I would never, for a minute, have the gall to contemplate writing a critique for a Jazz or RAP CD (as a journalist representing a paper) if I knew nothing about the genre' or if I had a strong pre-dispostion of disliking or hating the CD's genre' in the first place.
    However, that is EXACTLY what Shaina did in this article, and that is the basic problem and reason for the huge reaction against her "review" here. She made a mistake as a journalist. Her comments belong in a personal blog since she has an admitted bias against the music she decided to critique (why?? if you don't like the music, why did you listen to it in the first place??). IOW, the review is destined to be down on the CD from the start.
    As she indicated in a previous article in her archives, though, she LOVES Michael Jackson's "Thriller" re-make. Ooookay... I do not like that sort of music, but would never dream of being an expert "critic" of that pop genre'. If Shaina truly "knows" (or, at least enjoys) pop, then stick to critiques of "pop" and stay away from critiques of music you don't like from the start and know nothing about... ESPECIALLY in a newspaper that can influence sales, however slightly, for a hard-working, talented band.
    BTW, Shaina better stay out of Starbucks Coffee since, I've heard, two of the songs from this album have been contracted out to play in the Starbucks stores world-wide. Anyway, this crummy album that Shaina slammed is now #5 on the Americana Charts this week...(see this link):

    http://americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey=

    That being the case, I suppose the radio listening fans (and TRUE critics of Americana music) driving this incredible rise on the charts for this album must also be idiots in Shaina's, BC's, and nanananana's world :-). You all enjoy the RAP, POP, and Michael Jackson (nothing wrong with that at all)... I prefer TX music!!
    Cheers,
    txmusiclover
    Post a reply to this comment

    Peacoccus

    posted 6/29/08 @ 12:09 AM CST

    Originally posted by

    txmusiclover

     ... I prefer TX music!!
    r


    I prefer you to shut the hell up. Goddamn.
    Post a reply to this comment

    JH

    posted 7/15/08 @ 6:45 PM CST

    You must really be an idiot. There's nothing cliched about The Band of Heathens' music. They are amazingly talented and blow me away at every single show. You obviously can't understand a deeper meaning in their songs if you think "Cornbread" is really about cornbread, and "Maple Tears" is about a girl from Manitoba, Canada. You must not be watching CMT these days, because the crap on there is terrible country music that you "want to listen to in your truck bed." Better yet, that crap makes my ears bleed. This is not a country cd, it's blues/folk-rock/americana record. You'd think a music critic would know that...
    Post a reply to this comment

    nanana

    posted 7/16/08 @ 6:53 PM CST

    txmusiclover...the fuck i say i like rap? you think im black? you're wrong. i just hate music that sounds like white people made it. music with no soul.
    Post a reply to this comment

    txmusiclover

    posted 7/22/08 @ 3:14 PM CST

    nanana,

    >>txmusiclover...the fuck i say i like rap? you think im black? you're wrong. i just hate music that sounds like white people made it. music with no soul.<<

    Sorry... I misunderstood... You are saying, then, that ALL black musicians ALWAYS make music with "soul" (like Shaina's hero, Michael Jackson) and white musicians NEVER can do so, no matter how hard they try... Stevie Ray sucked, I guess. I got it now.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Shark

    posted 11/21/08 @ 6:46 PM CST

    One more follow up. This CD by The Band of Heathens made it to NUMBER 1 on Americana Roots Chart in USA and in Europe as well. Guess the "proof is in the pudding" so to speak OR is this young critic and a couple of her supporters right and most Americana lovers across the World wrong. By the way BC this was a horrible review so add it to your list.
    Post a reply to this comment

    BC

    posted 11/23/08 @ 11:04 PM CST

    1) Popularity never proved a critic wrong or right. Ever.

    2) It's time to let this one die, folks.
    -BC
    Post a reply to this comment

    Shaina Zucker Arts and Life Editor

    posted 11/24/08 @ 2:11 PM CST

    I just wanted to clarify a few things as I try to subside my laughter from all of these ridiculous personal attacks.

    Micheal Jackson, although his music did inspire many influential musicians today, is not my "hero." I do have an extensive background in music, all different sorts, 14 years to be exact and counting and I do live in America where I have the right to say or believe anything I want. Therefore, I do have the right and the background to write this article and even though it was written last semester, I still stand by it.

    Lastly, I dont believe I "made a mistake" as a journalist by writing this article because feedback -- good or bad --- is still feedback nonetheless. And I was able to bring lovers and haters of this band together in a commonplace where you could share in a marketplace of ideas and debate the credibility of this article. So for that, I am somewhat proud and feel like a more experienced journalist because of it.

    Thanks for reading,

    Shaina Zucker
    Arts and Life Editor
    Post a reply to this comment

    nanana

    posted 11/25/08 @ 11:42 AM CST

    "Sorry... I misunderstood... You are saying, then, that ALL black musicians ALWAYS make music with "soul" (like Shaina's hero, Michael Jackson) and white musicians NEVER can do so, no matter how hard they try... Stevie Ray sucked, I guess. I got it now."


    Nope. You never got it. Generally speaking, band of heathens is an example of a white group with no soul. 78% of the time white people have no soul.
    Post a reply to this comment

    jmail

    posted 5/16/09 @ 9:39 AM CST

    [QUOTE id="475ea06e-0d2a-41bb-8bbb-6d44755e6dab"]"Sorry... I misunderstood... You are saying, then, that ALL black musicians ALWAYS make music with "soul" (like Shaina's hero, Michael Jackson) and white musicians NEVER can do so, no matter how hard they try... Stevie Ray sucked, I guess. I got it now."
    Post a reply to this comment

    txmusiclover

    posted 7/25/09 @ 1:43 AM CST

    For everyone's information... check out who is playing PBS TV's "Austin City Limits" this fall. I was able to get into the taping a couple of weeks ago, and The Band of Heathens brought the house down (over-capacity, sold out).

    Check local listings, PBS's "Austin City Limits" for November 7th. Elvis Costello plays the first half hour, then Band of Heathens second half hour on "Austin City Limits".

    Nawwwwwwww, these guys aren't any good at all... :-)

    Cheers,
    TML
    Post a reply to this comment

    Tweek

    posted 7/28/09 @ 6:32 PM CST

    you're right... it's nothing special... and you seem to have hurt some feelings here, which means that if you blow someone in a band, don't listen to their critics, enough said.
    Post a reply to this comment

    Per Sonne

    posted 10/09/09 @ 3:45 AM CST

    I have to agree with JJ51. Dismissing Cornbread simply as "about exactly what the title implies", are you kidding us? Have you really listened to the album at all? MY baby's cornbread sure make ME want to come home! Classic.
    Post a reply to this comment

    hehe

    posted 10/15/09 @ 1:32 PM CST

    it's been two years folks... time to let this one go!!
    Post a reply to this comment
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