Last Straws (secondheaven.com, 2000)
Crosstie Walkers
Reviewed by Eric Zehnbauer
On this, their third full-length release, Georgia natives the Crosstie Walkers planted themselves firmly in the Americana genre. Anchored by the shimmering lead vocals of Charlie Knox, four members contribute to the warm, cozy harmonies that are quite comforting to the ear. Likewise, the guitar work is richly layered,with all four vocalists also playing guitar of one form or another.
As talented as this group of musicians is, they are much more pop/rock than country. One can imagine that if some of their tunes were played as extended jams, they could be compared to the Grateful Dead, especially on "Railroad Street." On the closing "Thomson Shakes," the Walkers do their best Bob Dylan impersonation. This track could be a perfect cover for Dylan; the lyrical phrasing, playing style, and vocal style are very much inDylan's style.
Although not much to offer the traditional country fan, the Crosstie Walkers should hold plenty of appeal to the Americana listener, or to those classic rock fans who like their rock a little softer, folkier and twangier.
©Country Standard Time • Jeffrey B. Remz, editor & publisher • countrystandardtime@gmail.com
About • Copyright • Newsletter • Our sister publication Standard Time