| The Derailers: Under the Influence of Buck |
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| Posted by Andrew Greenhalgh |
11:47 AM Tuesday, 02 October 2007 |
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The key to a great tribute album is that the artist performing the music holds a true love in their heart for the music. This could not be more clearly true for the Austin quintet, The Derailers, on their tribute to country troubadour Buck Owens, Under the Influence of Buck. The Derailers’ love for Owens stems from a personal place. The band met Owens in ’95 while performing at a birthday celebration for the icon. Owens was moved by the respect the band had for his sound and did all within his power to support them from inviting them to play his club in Bakersfield, California to booking them as the house band for his 70th birthday bash. A thankfulness and love is crystal clear on these thirteen tracks The Derailers offer up for their departed friend. “My Heart Skips a Beat” and “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail” are tied for the most fun tracks on the album, with Hofeldt biting off his lyrics with reckless abandon and drummer Scott Matthews holding a steady course. “Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass” represents a slight misstep, with some ill-advised classic rock influences but “Cryin’ Time” is a faithful and mournful rendition, lovingly recreated. A bit of country shuffle fuels “Before You Go” before slowing things down on the chorus and “Sam’s Place” is an American gem, with the band in full swing and Owens’ clever lyrics still holding their own. “Big in Vegas” closes out the album, it’s mournful tone serving as a continued pain within the heart of those who so faithfully cling to Owens’ memory. Every now and then, a tribute album recreates some classic songs in a way that makes them that much better. Such is the way of The Derailer’s Under the Influence of Buck. The literal influence of Owens’ life and music shines through here, creating an album of old classics that can stand on it’s own today. This is an album crafted by people who really love music for people who love music. One listen through and you can’t deny the honest care and respect offered up by Brian Hofeldt as he shares, “It was an honor to be recognized and boosted by a man who was our musical hero and the times we had to spend with Buck are cherished memories.” |
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