Texas singer/songwriter Rodney Parker and his band the 50 Peso Reward released a pretty good country rock album last year called The Lonesome Dirge that I’ve heard no one talking about. While Parker’s songs are squarely on the pop/rock side of country, there is enough twang and enough empty Whiskey bottles that it really reminds me a little of Son Volt or of the Old 97’s before Rhett Miller went all pop-crazy on us all. I also hear shades of the powerful guitar-driven alt-rock at times that also makes me thinks of bands like Buffalo Tom or The Hold Steady. It’s a lively record that (IMHO) isn’t the least bit dirge-like. There are Tex-Mex horns and accordions on a few songs livening things up as Parker weaves yarns about love and pain while the steel guitars weep. It’s good. Still, even though The Lonesome Dirge is more Darius Rucker than it is Ben Nichols, this is still a really fun record that is really easy to listen to. Check out the songs below if any of what you just read interests you.
MP3 | Rodney Parker & The 50 Peso Reward – Firefight The Lonesome Dirge
MP3 | Rodney Parker & The 50 Peso Reward – 10 lb. Test The Lonesome Dirge
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This album is great! Amazing song writing and great performances! Love it!!!