Southern Spirit
One thing that comes across as I listen to great albums by The Marshall Tucker Band, like their debut self-titled effort and Searchin' for a Rainbow, is that they had a raw, down-home flavor that seemed free from musical preservatives or additives. Not so with Southern Spirit as the album seems as if it was left too long in the studio. What do I mean by that? In the early 90's, Top 40 country radio (what I refer to as artificial country) seemed to take off like a rocket. Everyone wanted to be another Garth Brooks, or Brooks and Dunn, or Clint Black (I can't believe I know all of these names), or whatever the top country artist du jour was. I can just see some record executive suit telling great acts like MTB that they had to get with the times, polish up the sound and attract newer, younger audiences if they wanted to survive. If that's the case they heeded his/her advice with this album and the outcome is less than inspiring.
Southern Spirit, released in 1990 (more than a decade after the band had peaked), and without either of the Caldwell brothers who were the heart and soul of the band, is pretty much all over the map. There are a couple of very good songs including "Stay in the Country" and the best of the bunch "Chase the Memory" which sounds as if it could have been taken from one of their 70's albums. On it, lead singer Doug Gray and Jerry Eubanks remind me of what made the band great. Doug has his vocals sounding as good as they did 15 years ago and Jerry has the flute sound going that was present on great songs like "Take the Highway", "Can't You See", and "Hear It in a Love Song". Others are adequate such as "Destruction" and "County Road". Some however are low grade filler such as "Ballad of MTB" and "Love Will", which are both pure cornball tackiness. If your speakers drip maple syrup on the latter you'll know why.
If you're hardcore MTB (isn't everyone?) you may want Southern Spirit in your collection. If not, do not fail to pick up just about any of their 70's albums. I don't think you'll be disappointed in those.
Southern Spirit, released in 1990 (more than a decade after the band had peaked), and without either of the Caldwell brothers who were the heart and soul of the band, is pretty much all over the map. There are a couple of very good songs including "Stay in the Country" and the best of the bunch "Chase the Memory" which sounds as if it could have been taken from one of their 70's albums. On it, lead singer Doug Gray and Jerry Eubanks remind me of what made the band great. Doug has his vocals sounding as good as they did 15 years ago and Jerry has the flute sound going that was present on great songs like "Take the Highway", "Can't You See", and "Hear It in a Love Song". Others are adequate such as "Destruction" and "County Road". Some however are low grade filler such as "Ballad of MTB" and "Love Will", which are both pure cornball tackiness. If your speakers drip maple syrup on the latter you'll know why.
If you're hardcore MTB (isn't everyone?) you may want Southern Spirit in your collection. If not, do not fail to pick up just about any of their 70's albums. I don't think you'll be disappointed in those.
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