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Stardom didn't come beating down the Continental Drifters' door after the domestic release of their excellent album "Vermilion" in 1999. That hasn't kept the rootsy New Orleans collective of singer-songwriters from following their muses into the bayou to record, with impatient verve, their first full-length recording in quite a while.
The Band seems to have found what they need in their label, Razor and Tie: a supportive record company that won't attempt much major-label pigeonholing. You see, the Drifters' commitment to great songs, rather than a singular style, is fantastic; however, it has so far won them more critical hosannas than mass appeal. We hope this new offering can draw more listeners into their web. After some delays, the release date has been announced for June 5.
Here's our best shot at naming favorites, beginning with bassist Mark Walton's loopy "Tomorrow's Gonna Be." This title song in disguise is a rare treat for listeners. Susan Cowsill's melancholy "Cousin" brings back memories of late-period Beatles, and her "Snow" is a beatuiful meditation that feels like the record's most stunning song.
Our favorite Peter Holsapple contribution varies, but right now it's "Live On Love," with its romping horns (featuring Mulebone's Mark Mullins).
Vicki Peterson's "That Much A Fool" proves that she's been bitten by the waltz bug, and she narrates this bittersweet tale with tons of soul. Ace guitarist Robert Mache' contributes tasteful sonic seasoning plus the occasional wild solo (check the opening cut, Vicki's spunky "Na Na"). Ace drummer Russ Broussard navigates the Drifters' rhythmic waters with polished aplomb while adding his name to the composers' list, co-writing the lovely "Peaceful Waking" with Cowsill.
"Better Day" is an album that will continue to grow on listeners and provide hours of musical pleasure, primarily because the Drifters are for real.
The Continental Drifters are one of America's undiscovered treasures, and we recommend a trip to the Big Easy so the discovery can be made before the "Better Day" tour begins in June.
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