Bottle Rockets

(Sanctuary Records) Blue Sky is the latest release from Festus, MO based band the Bottle Rockets, their first release of original material since 1999's Brand New Year. In-between saw the release of their Doug Sahm tribute album, 2001's acclaimed Songs Of Sahm. While in the midst of touring behind the Sahm tribute album, guitarist Tom Parr left the band. While the band is reknowned for it's roadhouse 'roots-rocking-with-a-country-edge' sound, Blue Sky finds the band undergoing some changes. First up, they're presently working as a trio, with remaining members Brian Henneman (lead vocals, guitar and the band's primary songwriter), Robert Kearns (bass, vocals) and Mark Ortmann (drums). Next, they signed with Sanctuary Records for their latest release, and enlisted Gov't Mule frontman (and part-time Allman Bros. guitarist) Warren Haynes to produce, and he also helps out on guitar duties by contributing his stellar talent on 5 of the disc's tracks. Lastly, the Rockets have gone for a countrier-rootsier (and frequently, a quieter) sound than on their previous albums. Which isn't to say they've gone soft or have completely mellowed out. They still pack a punch, and prove in a few spots they can still crank it up when the mood strikes.

Blue Sky opens with the country-roots rocker, "Lucky Break" the tale of a blue collar worker who finally gets some vacation time because of a broken leg. The terrific title track "Blue Sky" is another country-rocker, though an upbeat, soulful look at love changing a person's luck. The Rockets move firmly into country territory on the majority of the disc's songs. A real highlight, "A Man Of Constant Anxiety" is a hard rocking honky tonker that addresses the average working man's worries. "Men & Women" is a good natured, laid back observation at the differences between the sexes. There's a strong, swampy Jerry Reed influence in "Baby's Not My Baby Tonight" that tell's the tale of a man being in the proverbial doghouse with his wife again. "Cartoon Wisdom" is a slow, gritty, bluesy look at life through the male perspective. Blue Sky contains three acoustic songs, the outstanding stark and somber "Cross On The Highway," "Mom & Dad" which is Brian's poignant look at an adult trying to deal with the loss of his parents, and "The Last Time" with Robert Kearns on lead vocals, a weeper about lost love. Another highlight is the beautiful "Baggage Claim," an affecting, personal look at the changes a couple feels in their lives since 9/11, that features some stellar, soaring guitar work. The Rockets move back to roots rock as Robert once again takes over on lead vocals for the jangley, bounce of "I Don't Wanna Go Back." They crank things up to high gear for the Sahm influenced "Pretty Little Angie" and blow things apart with the blistering "I.D. Blues."

Blue Sky is most certainly a change in gears for the Bottle Rockets, one that will most likely surprise their longtime fans. But the change in direction works very well and provides Brian with a place to comfortably stretch out his insightful 'average-joe" lyrics and catchy melodies. Blue Sky is bound to provoke much debate among their fanbase, however this one proves their musical diversity, and just might arguably be their best release yet.

Standout Tracks: "Lucky Break," "Baggage Claim," "Men & Women," "Baby's Not My Baby Tonight," "Cartoon Wisdom," "Cross On The Highway" "I.D. Blues"

The Last Word: An unexpected departure from the Rockets' trademark country edged roots-rock sound, but it's a very pleasant surprise that works extremely well. A well balanced and diverse collection of terrific songs, well written and played, that range from hard country to acoustic country, on which they also include a few songs in their traditional roots-rock vein.

On The Net: www.bottle-rockets.net

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack November 2003