I loved Drag The River’s 2006 album, It’s Crazy, so I was more than a little saddened when I learned that the band was breaking up last year, but was even more thrilled to find out that the band was releasing one final album. You Can’t Live This Way was recorded before but released after the band’s official split last year and it kinda feels just like a break-up album should. Sure, Drag The River still dishes out punk-influenced country tunes, but the overall pace is a bit slower and a bit strained.
In all actuality, I was trying to write a longer review of this record, but (instead) thought I’d direct you to the excellent review of You Can’t Live This Way over at Sound As Language. It expresses everything I would have tried to about this album. For all intents and purposes (in my eyes at least) Drag The River was a supergroup of ex-punks (featuring current or former members of All, Armchair Martian, Hot Rod Circuit, The Nobodys, and Pinhead Circus) and was destined to split at some point. It was inevitable. You Can’t Live This Way is available now from Suburban Home Records. Do yourself a favor and get it (and a pint glass) today.
MP3 | Drag The River – Rangement You Can’t Live This Way
MP3 | Drag The River – Brookfield You Can’t Live This Way
thanks eric…love the new digs!