BUTCH WALKER & THE BLACK WIDOWS

I LIKED IT BETTER WHEN YOU HAD NO HEART

I don't know what you all think of Butch Walker but whatever you think of his direction on this album it is hard to deny the quality of the songs.

"Trash Day" opens the album in style with a wonderful pop ode to Beverly Hills and Atlanta. Great song and good choice for a single. "Pretty Melody" that follows opens with a Queen-like intro but then quickly has you thinking of all of the early 60's girl bands collided with Elvis Costello just before you are whisked away into alt-country territory for "Don't You think Someone Should Take you Home" all work in their own ways.

"Canadian Ten" however crosses the country line I can never cross! For me it's a low point.

"Temporary Title" is a brilliant pop song in the style of bands like Squeeze but brought up to date and is definitely one of my favourite songs on here, I am certain this will be a live highlight of the album.

"She Likes Hair Bands" is both catchy and funny, and again is another song that you feel will be well worth catching live. Brilliant...

There's the Beatlesesque/Enuff Znuff-like "House of cards" which hits the spot though to be honest aside from that one song nothing disappoints.

The best song though comes last with the heartfelt acoustic "Be Good Until Then" with the best lyrics I've heard from Butch “Always know the road you’re riding on, always know the words to your baby’s song, try to make the most of Friday nights when they come.” and it gets better I swear.

You know what this is a great album but you know what I just wish it was a bit well.... dirtier...

Want something different not afriad to take the foot off the metal pedal? Maybe give this a listen...

Mark