DRAG THE RIVER:
You Can’t Live This Way: CD
Drag The River may or may not be breaking/broken up, and, either way, they’ve recorded their magnum opus. Admittedly, I’ve never totally got into one of their records before, but I can tell that if you’re looking for a place to start, this is it. The songs are generally melancholy, and, occasionally, chilling slices of small town life. It’s arranged really well; every song stands out. My only complaint on repeated listens is that they wait until the last couple songs to really turn up the rock, and I’m left wishing there was a bit more of that. But the slower stuff is done pretty well, making it a solid album. And as they do on all their records, the last track is reserved for a replay of the entire album, a trick so that the whole thing can be played on a jukebox for just one credit, which is pretty awesome. So, for the next time you’re at a bar with one of those digital jukeboxes, I give you my solemn word that it is worth a buck. –Nick Toerner –Guest Contributor (Suburban Home)