Music Review

Heavy Ornamentals

Heavy Ornamentals by The Gourds, published by Eleven Thirty

Reviewed by Jeff McCord

February 2006

Like other bands that have managed to hang around almost intact for more than a decade, The Gourds have seen a certain predictability set in. The same consistency we see in their lineup is even more apparent in their work. Often compared to the unclassifiable roots music of Doug Sahm and the Band, the Gourds’ home brew of country-rock, soul, and Tex-Mex has never been successfully labeled. Heavy Ornamentals (Eleven Thirty), their latest, launches right in; bassist Jimmy Smith sings about something called a “declineometer” over a churning, infectious rhythm. Then there’s Kevin Russell’s funky hillbilly soul bash “Shake the Chandelier,” the slinky zydecolike “Hooky Junk,” and plenty of other weird and irresistibly joyous esoterica. It’s tempting to say this Austin group keeps getting better, but the truth is that these guys were pretty damn good to begin with.

E-mail

Password

Remember me

Forgot your password?

X (close)

Registering gets you access to online content, allows you to comment on stories, add your own reviews of restaurants and events, and join in the discussions in our community areas such as the Recipe Swap and other forums.

In addition, current TEXAS MONTHLY magazine subscribers will get access to the feature stories from the two most recent issues. If you are a current subscriber, please enter your name and address exactly as it appears on your mailing label (except zip, 5 digits only). Not a subscriber? Subscribe online now.

E-mail

Re-enter your E-mail address

Choose a password

Re-enter your password

Name

  
 

Address

Address 2

City

State

Zip (5 digits only)

Country

What year were you born?

Are you...

Male Female

Remember me

X (close)