Easy Way (Walkie Talkie, 2019)
The Cactus Blossoms
Reviewed by Henry L. Carrigan Jr.
The Everly Brothers influence is most prominent on the ballads "I'm Calling You," which sounds like it could have been a pop hit in the early '60s, and "Got A Lotta Love," reminiscent of the Everlys' more country flavored efforts from the late '60s/early '70s. The uptempo "Please Don't Call Me Crazy" recalls '90s Canadian country rockers the Blue Shadows while the country ballad "I Am the Road" appears to allude to a Johnny Cash classic with the reference that "you gotta walk the line."
There are some tracks with lyrics a bit cliched as with "Desperado" ("You're so cool, baby, I'm no fool/Takes one to know one, and I found you") and others such as Burkum's "See It Through" and the title track with repetitive lines, but even these songs are so nicely performed that they are ultimately enjoyable. Produced by Burkum and Torrey, the sweet harmonies, solid compositions and stellar instrumentation throughout make this a fun listen.
CDs by The Cactus Blossoms
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