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Album Details

• Artist: Hackensaw Boys
• Album: Love What You Do
• Label: Nettwerk
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2005-08-23

This country band has paid their dues, starting out in 1999 playing on the streets of Charlottesville. Given their knowledge of so many styles and with great songwriting, they sound as if they have been at it for decades. This second release digs deeper into the mix of traditional tunes with a punk aesthetic that puts them in the same territory mined by Uncle Tupelo and The Gourds; while they are not in that league yet, they are right outside the door.
"All Good men turn to ashes/I know that's all I know" ("All Good Dogs") is a representative sentiment for this set, the lyrics referencing inarticulate speeches of the heart, resignation, loss that may or may be a bad thing. The traditional fast fiddle of "Kiss You Down There" and "Suns Work Undone" have authority; reflective cynical tunes like "Alabama Shamrock", "Bordertown" and Especially "High Faller" blend the old with the new in wise ways; Hackensaw boys are ragged but right.

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