Old 97's
Satellite Rides
Elektra

The Sound of Summer Simmerin'

Seems like every summer there's one. You could be putzin' around the house, dumpin' the butts out of the ashtrays and recyclin' the beer cans from the night before, waitin' for the sun to get so hot that you just gotta stop. Or maybe you're outside, pokin' around, lookin' for that cool piece of shade. Maybe you're washin' your car and then takin' your dog for a ride so he can stick his head out the window and slobber all over the place and look back at you with that big ole smile on his face. Or maybe you're just kickin' back on the porch drinkin' some iced tea. You could be doin' anything or nothin' at all. All you know is that it's summer, and there's that one record that puts it all together every year. That perfect summertime album. Last year it was The Jayhawks and their "Smile" album. The year before it was Wilco and "Summerteeth." This year it's The Old 97's and their new one, "Satellite Rides."

I know, it's a little early to be makin' this call. Hell, there's still frost on the car windows in the morning. But the sun seems to be pokin' its head out a little more often and the blowin' wind doesn't quite have the bite it had a week ago. And anyways, I can just tell. Summer's comin' and music's in the air.

And just what are the ingredients for the perfect summertime album, you ask? Well, guitars are a must, with just the right amount of crunch and some acoustic strummin' stuck in there for good measure. Then you need a good beat. This is rock 'n roll we're talkin' about. But remember, the best rock 'n' roll always has its country cousin ridin' shotgun. Now add a little pop to round out some of the edges, but not too much or you'll end up with moosch. You absolutely gotta have good songs, fast ones and some slow ones, just to keep it honest. Then you need the harmonies. Some high and lonely, some Beatles-perfect, and some you make up while you're singin' along.

And it's gotta grow on you. (Seems like the one you like right out of the box gets boring real fast.) But once you're hooked you can't stop playin' it. You play it when the sun's right over your head, beatin' down on you and your coconut butter suntan. And you play it when the sun's settin' and you're drinkin' a beer, roastin' marshmellows on the grill. You play it before the morning dew has burnt off, and on those hot, sweaty nights when you're cruisin' down the interstate, squishin' lightnin' bugs on the windshield. Anytime's the right time for the perfect summertime record.

The Old 97's have put it all together for this one. They're keepin' good company with the summertime albums from years past. I expect that this summer we'll all be takin' a lot of "Satellite Rides."

-ml2001

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