Jason Boland and the Stragglers' "Pearl Snaps" A Cd Review By Grant Wiscour

Well, what can I say? The first and only song from this album that I have heard on the radio is 'Pearl Snap Shirts'. After hearing "Pearl Snaps" a few times I figured this album would be a keeper. I like the twangy, honky-tonk sound that Jason Boland and his Stragglers belt out. Somewhere in the dark recesses of mind I have an audio-image of what music should be; this is dang close. This song creates images, both visual and emotional. It is a good ride...get on! The first cut on "Pearl Snaps" is 'Somewhere Down In Texas'. Each time I hear this song, my mind and my heart travel towards my wife. I know somewhere in Texas the sun is shining and like Jason, I hope it is shining on her..."Somewhere Down In Texas". The fiddle play gives an even deeper air of Texas. I have been fortunate enough to never have struggled with "Demon Alcohol". The author of 'Drinkin' Song' might have faced the demon. Evidenced in this song and others, the artist tells it like it is. He created a classic line with, "the other day, I was thinkin' to myself, at least I still think to myself." I have been there. Be careful when listening to this song in the truck...you may find yourself doing 80 mph. The title cut, 'Pearl Snap Shirts' makes references to Jesus and Buddha showing that even those of us with a country flavor to our speech can have culture. Even if Jesus is no longer legal some of us think he is great. Jason seems to realize that the world, at least sometimes, gets out of whack. There really are some things that stay the same. Next comes 'Proud Souls and then Ponies'. 'Ponies' seems to be the Straggler's answer to 'Ghost Riders'...not bad at all. My favorite song on this CD is 'Backslider Blues'. The song is about our eternal Blessing and the roads that we travel in life. We don't always take the best turn in the road but hopefully, He'll have forgotten when we sang the backslider blues. 'Telephone Romeo' reminds us how it feels to be on the road away from those we love. No one wants to be a Romeo on the telephone wire. From what I have been told, Jason is an Oklahoma product that cut his teeth in the bar rooms of Stillwater. His song 'If I Ever Get Back to Oklahoma' brings to mind all of the fun, laughter, beer-drinking and good times that I have had in those Oklahoma bars. The album seems to finish up with the equally well produced 'No Damn Good' and 'Change in the Weather' but there is a hidden cut; a bonus cut you might say. It may take you to a different fork in the road; one of my favorites. Buy the CD and see what you think. I look forward to seeing Jason Boland & The Stragglers. We need to be hearing them more on the radio. Check out their web site at: www.thestragglers.com Grant Wiscour December 20, 2000

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