Eric Strickland Does It Again On “I’m Bad For You”
Over the last few months we have finally begun to see a few success stories be made of some excellent songwriters that sat under the radar for way too long—folks like Sturgill Simpson and Leroy Virgil of Hellbound Glory. If you were looking for another name of a songwriter that’s been criminally overlooked for too long, and has that uncompromising honky tonk sound like Dale Watson and Whitey Morgan, then the man you seek is North Carolina’s Eric Strickland, and his backing band The ‘B’ Sides.
Eric Strickland is Country with a capital ‘C’ and couldn’t make a bad album if he tried. He may be more locally-oriented than the other big names in honky tonk music, but gives up nothing to his more well-known comrades when it comes to cutting songs and records.
At the heart of Strickland’s appeal is his ability to take what on the surface may seem like tired, clichè country themes, and give them a fresh, new feel. Take “whiskey” for example, maybe the most worn out word in country music. His last album Honky Tonk Till I Die ends with the song “Drinkin’ Whiskey” that went on to be nominated for SCM’s 2012 Song of the Year. Strickland starts off I’m Bad For You right where the last album ended, with the excellent booze-drenched “The Whiskey Seems To Always Change My Mind,” pulling you in with its walking bass line in the chorus and cutting, true lyrics.
Strickland serenades even harder stuff later on the album with another standout, the chicken-picking “Methamphetamines.” This leads into the album’s best ballad, “Brandy On My Mind” written by ‘B’ side guitarist and harmonizer Gary Braddy. The song “I’m Bad For You” is another great honky tonk classic belted out with just as much bravado as honesty.
The album concludes in two rousing live tracks–a real treat because as Eric Strickland fans can attest, as good as his albums are, his live show may even be better. His backing band The ‘B’ Sides are more seasoned than some bands that play 280 shows per year. All you you need to do is listen to their rendition of Little Richard’s “Lucille” and you’ll hear it for yourself. It’s got some of those moments that make it feel like a feather is being raked on the back of your neck. It’s followed by an excellent live version of “18 Wheel of Hell On The Highway” from Eric’s last album.
One concern with I’m Bad For You is that after the first song, the album slows the tempo down, and stays there for quite a while. No song is bad, but this doesn’t really allow the album to suck you in. But with the overall line up of stellar songs on this album, it rivals any other released so far in 2013.
Real deal, true blood, hard driving, but daring to be sweet in moments, Eric Strickland and The ‘B’ Sides are doing their part to save country music. Now it’s time to do your part by giving them your ear and attention.
Two guns up.
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June 2, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
Amazing album. The second song angel like you is the best in my opinion . These are songs definitely written for our hard economic times. And shows this time period still has things to say. I disagree with trigger man, about being slowed down, this album is like a roller coster high on adrenaline in the beginning but slows down in a emotional beer drinking turn. Not always mellow and not always beer fighting fast.
June 2, 2013 @ 5:41 pm
His telecaster playing sounds amazingly similar to Waylon’s. Good stuff.
June 2, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
I think the first album was stronger, but this is still really, really good stuff. This is gut-wrenching honky-tonk.
June 2, 2013 @ 8:51 pm
They are as much a treat to see live as it is to listen to their albums, if not more. I feel lucky to have them relatively close by. Talented, and humble, folks. Glad they’re getting the attention they deserve.
June 2, 2013 @ 9:38 pm
I’ve been waiting on this review. Great album!
June 3, 2013 @ 2:41 am
Bloody excellent! THIS is what country music should sound like!!
June 3, 2013 @ 7:43 am
Great album from top to bottom, hardcore country. Not a bad tune on here.
June 3, 2013 @ 10:15 am
This album is excellent! Definitely not an album to pass up.
June 3, 2013 @ 11:05 am
It was a real treat to record this record ,real country !!!!!
June 3, 2013 @ 12:36 pm
Love what I hear from these clips I will have to see if it’s on emusic
June 3, 2013 @ 1:57 pm
Just bought the download and I LOVE IT !
June 3, 2013 @ 9:30 pm
Love me some Eric Strickland… This album does not disappoint and I hope he continues to put stuff out on a regular basis.
June 4, 2013 @ 7:16 am
Great album!! Hoping he starts touring more and getting out of NC on a regular basis.
June 4, 2013 @ 7:59 am
I don’t know alot of this fellow’s music, but he sure does keep that honky sound alive!
I gotta get a plug in for Peewee Moore and the Awful Dreadful Snakes. Definitely up there among the modern honky tonk greats as well.
June 5, 2013 @ 3:31 pm
I get so spoiled with music like this. I listened to this cd, than the new George Strait. This one outshines it by a mile. George’s new one is a dud or it is imo. Along with his pillaged 60th number one single. “Give It All We Got Tonight” a song that should have died an early death on the charts. I
June 17, 2013 @ 8:57 am
Well I said last cd it just can’t be outdone and once again they’ve proven me WRONG! you’d think I’d learn! When Eric asked not long ago which is your favorite I said let’s see just the ones you penned and the one Gary. Braddy wrote, and the live tracks were awesome lol! I was asked why didn’t you just say the whole thing, and I told em because it might cut short the excitement! “NO DOUBT” it is true music at its best!