CD Review: Old Crow Medicine Show – Tennessee Pusher

Old Crow Medicine Show – “Tennessee Pusher”
(Nettwerk Productions)

What happened here? Can someone explain where all of Old Crow’s energy went to? They went and made a record that’s essentially a concept album about drug dealers in the South – which is a great idea. The whole thing draws parallels to the idea of bootlegging, and the people who are hurt and harmed, the folks who are pushers and profiteers, and the addicts and others.

However, as I said, it’s a great idea. The actual execution leaves something to be desired. The energy on Tennessee Pusher never comes anywhere near the energy like O.C.M.S.’s “Tell It Me.” It almost seems like a waste to have laid back tunes get titles like “Alabama High-Test” or “Methamphetamine.”

If you’re playing a song like the title tracks, about a woman who done gone to the law while you were out on a run, give it some teeth, man. Make me understand that the “short run” you’re going on you is for revenge. Ratchet up the suspense, and make me gasp when your woman, the deputy and you are all dead in the valley. Don’t put me to sleep before you’ve managed to make me care about the characters you’re giving me.

Basically, what you’ve got here is a good album, but nothing near what either of its predecessors could bring. I think Don Was heard “Wagon Wheel,” knew how well it did, and tried to replicate that sound over the course of an entire album.

from Tennessee Pusher:
Methamphetamine