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The Gourds
Shinebox
Review by Steven Stone
Click here to e-mail reviewer
CD Stock Number: Sugar Hill Records
I have a new favorite band. They’re called the Gourds. Imagine a countrified
fire-breathing mandolin-driven version of Los Lobos and you have a vague inkling of what The Gourds are like.
Shinebox has a somewhat convoluted origins. It was formerly a 7 song EP of live material called Gogitershinebox
produced for an Amsterdam radio show. Five more songs were added for re-release in the ‘States. Three original songs join covers from such diverse
sources as Townes VanZandt, Billy Joe Shaver, David Bowie, Grin, and Snoop Doggy Dog. Yes, the Snoop Doggy Dog. This number, occupying the lead-off
position of the album, is transformed from a rap tune to a redneck anthem. The Gourds version also connects the dots from Robert Johnson to Roosevelt
Sykes to Muddy Waters to Chuck Berry to Snoop Doggy Dog. The Snoop just presents a graphic X-rated version of Johnson’s devil’s bargain. The Gourds
version of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” is equally revelatory. Instead of
glitter, Ziggy is covered in cow droppings; it doesn’t get any more organic
than that. Be forewarned that several songs, both originals and covers, have
crude and graphic lyrics. Tipper Gore’s parental guidance stickers would be
appropriate for Shinebox.
Unlike many “groups” the Gourds are very much a band, not a lead guy with
some sidemen. Everyone in the band sings, and they all play at least two instruments. Kevin Russell plays mandolin and guitar, Jimmy Smith handles
electric and acoustic bass, guitar, and percussive embellishments (don’t ask), Claude Bernard contributes accordion, guitar, and B-3 Organ, Keith
Langford delivers drums, maracas, tambo, and various other percolations, and
Max Johnston nails down fiddle, banjo, and resophonic guitar. Produced by the
Gourds along with Mike Stewart, the sound varies from damn-near perfect to just this side of abysmal. On the live cuts, like “Omaha” or I’m Troubled”
the sonics are superb, so close to real live sound that you’d swear some drunk with beer breath is about to sit in your lap. Other selections, like
“Jones, Oh Jones”, sound like it was done in a really primitive home project
studio. Yuk.
Ever since I got this CD, about a month and a half ago, I’ve been trying to
wear it out. I’m so jaded that usually a CD is lucky to last a week in heavy
rotation before it gets alphabetically filed. Shinebox is a rare exception. This CD is so much fun, so thoroughly cool, so musically essential, that it
has been living on my CD player. I even got more than one copy so I don’t have to hunt around for it. I dare you to listen to it just once.
Enjoyment: 95
Sound Quality: 95
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