Review – Those Poor Bastards ‘Gospel Haunted’
Any review for Those Poor Bastards should probably start off with a disclaimer that gothic country is not for everyone. Nor do I claim to be an expert of the music; I’ve always felt like I’m on the outside looking in. Having said that, I have really become intrigued and entertained with what Those Poor Bastards do, and think of Lonesome Wyatt as virtually peerless in procuring sounds to set the exact mood he envisions for songs. This in itself can be appreciated, even if someone doesn’t like the songs themselves, or the themes they convey.
I like Those Poor Bastard’s songs, not necessarily their albums, if that makes sense. I have never found myself listening to an album cover to cover. Instead I know all the songs that I dig from their respective albums, and call on them collectively when I’m in a TPB mood. That might be why it took me so long to warm up to this album, because those songs that speak to me are deep in the album, and why this review is coming to you 4 months after Gospel Haunted’s release.
It may have taken me a while, but now I might go as far as to say it is their best effort yet, barring Lonesome Wyatt’s work with Rachel Brooke on A Bitter Harvest, which might sit as the standard bearer for gothic country for quite a while. That might be another reason my appreciation was paused; initially it felt like a step back. Now I understand they are two completely different projects that are a little unfair to compare.
With Gospel Haunted, Lonesome Wyatt and The Minister work less with symbolism, and come right out and say what they mean: the poor are righteous, the rich are fools, and megachurches should be burned. With the song “Chemical Church,” in a sordid, comically mocking style, they call out the clean and comfortable lifestyle as a prison for the soul while the contrast in the screaming and smooth vibrato vocal parts play off each other brilliantly. “Wealth Is Death” carries a similar disparaging message for people chasing the golden goose, but in a haunting, hymnal way.
The genius of TPB’s is taking the core of religious dogma, and using it to preach, and sometimes mock the mainstream religious for their contemporary, hypocritical behaviors. Some may take their music as sacrilegious, but in so many ways it is truly righteous while at the same time not really taking sides as explained in the song “At The Crossroads.” They have thought out their message, and never let envy enter the battle. Instead they embrace and praise the poor lifestyle as a choice, and maybe even a privilege, however miserable it may be. And then they embrace misery in the same way.
“Open Wounds” was another standout, highlighting their adeptness at crafting wildly unique songs from sometimes simple structures and primitive, outmoded sounds. Barely-veiled drum machine click tracks, 80’s-era Casiotones, and nondescript musicianship all seem to work in their favor once all the ingredients are combined together. Once this album’s second half won me over, I revisited songs like “Judgment Is Coming” and “Serpents,” which revealed themselves as great compositions as well, even though it might be some of the most disjointed and inaccessible music TPB’s have ever put out, and that is saying a lot.
The song “Glory Amen” has been a TPB’s staple for a while, but this is their first studio recording. .357 String Band also recorded it on Fire & Hail, and so I found it a little hard to appreciate, though the song itself works fine. What I can’t get behind at all is the very last song, “I’ll At Ease.” My guess is you either love this song or hate it, and I fall into the latter because unlike so many TPB’s songs that take not uncommon song structures and expand on them to make their own creations, this one the bones are too exposed, and the sheer length works against it.
Again, this is not for everyone, but as we enter the second half of the haunted month and the very real possibility of a double dip recession, I can hardly think of a more appropriate soundtrack for late October 2010 than the haunted gospel of Those Poor Bastards.
Two guns up.
Gospel Haunted is available through Amazon, directly from Those Poor Bastards, and on clear vinyl. Find previews below.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:22 am
Hey Trigger, I consider myself a gothic country songwriter, and I sometimes think all the extra orchestration actually detracts from the music; primarily, because a lot of times the story gets lost in the cacophony. And that’s been my problem with TPB in the past…I admire the way LW constructs a soundscape, but I always thought if they reined that in a notch or two, the songs would be much better. Basically, I’m with you on liking select songs by these boys, but not yet being won over by an entire CD. I’ll check this one out as usual, and I’m sure I’ll uncover a gem or two.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:58 am
I can understand that viewpoint, and then I could also understand if someone said they appreciate all the layers because you hear new things each time, and it makes their music more unique.
I couldn’t help comparing this in my mind to A Bitter Harvest, which I thought was Lonesome Wyatt at his best, partly because there IS more space in the songs, and I think that overall it is more accessible because it doesn’t work as much off of all the cacophonous sounds. Rachel’s voice gave the music another dynamic that would be sacrilege to walk over or ruin with overproduction. It kept it grounded.
Then again it is not fair to compare the two, because Those Poor Bastards are a more hard-edged project, and Lonesome and Rachel is a collaboration similar, but not cast in the TPB’s mold.
No question people will be turned off on TPB’s because of all the crazy sounds and layers, but that is Lonesome Wyatt’s strong suit, and just like any musician you must work toward your strengths. My guess is Lonesome wants his music to be heard and help him keep beans on the table, but probably doesn’t care if the majority of people don’t like it, and probably prefers it that way. He might even make his music more harsh just to ensure the mainstream stays out of it.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:23 am
The first time I heard of these guys was via Hank III’s cover of “Pills I Took”. From their I checked out their Country Bullshit EP and it took me about 8-10 months to start to get into these guys from that point. Since then I’ve definitely become a fan and I’ve been playing this album at least once a week since its release.
My top tracks are At the Crossroads and Ill at Ease. I think The Beeg and Coley might agree with the latter choice. Duke, duke, duke, duke of Earl.
I have some friends who have a hard time getting into this music as they feel the vocals are too melodramatic at times. For me, I like that. Then again, I’m a big horror-movie nerd. FML.
“Having said that, I have really become intrigued and entertained with what Those Poor Bastards do, and think of Lonesome Wyatt as virtually peerless in procuring sounds to set the exact mood he envisions for songs.”
Bingo. That’s one thing I’ve always thought was pretty amazing, how they can get so many sounds in there and make it all fit together to the point where if you’re only casually listening, you may not notice at first. Definitely something to be said for that.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:59 am
If I want to listen to the Duke of Earl, I’ll listen to the Duke of Earl. And I really don’t want to listen the Duke of Earl, so . . .
October 19, 2010 @ 10:28 am
Also, not that you’re already burdened with enough articles to post here but a goth-country primer type article would be great. Not something as in-depth as the Lower Broadway articles, but just kind of a brief, ‘here’s the major players in this music since it started’ type of thing. I’m sure there’s enough visitors here to help fill in the blanks as well. Really all I know besides TPB is 16 Horsepower and a few others. I know there’s gotta be more out there but where can I find this info? Anyone?
October 19, 2010 @ 10:46 am
You’re right, it would be a good idea to put some sort of guidepost together for people who like this music. First thing that would have to happen is I’d have to get much more familiar with it.
There’s a compilation called Rodentia: The Best of Dark Roots Music that works as an audio primer for Gothic country. I am not familiar with most of the bands, but the two other gothic country bands I’ve listened to and enjoyed are Song Of Perdition and O Death.
From Amazon:
Undoubtedly the biggest assembly of dark roots artists on one album; Rodentia: The Best of Dark Roots Music features 34 Tracks on two discs featuring the best dark roots music the world has to offer. Established mainstays in the genre such as O’death, Reverend Glasseye, Those Poor Bastards, Botanica, and Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys can all be found alongside emerging artists such as Uncle Sinner and Oldboy. Carefully arranged for the listener to explore the variety of music contained inside, Rodentia is intended a marathon two hour listening session to explore the world of dark roots music.
http://www.amazon.com/Rodentia-Best-Dark-Roots-Music/dp/B001GUZGES/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1287510071&sr=1-13
http://rodentiamusic.mybisi.com/product/rodentia-the-best-of-dark-roots-music
October 19, 2010 @ 10:49 am
I seen O Death once before at a GravelRoad / Hillstomp show (actually the same show where most of my live Hillstomp videos were shot) and I didn’t like them. Later on, another friend as well as GravelRoad members informed me that I was mistaken and that they are actually kickass.
Thanks for the link to that comp, I’ll check it out once I get to work!
October 19, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
OK so I’m confused. Are you being sarcastic that since GravelRoad likes them that you instantly liked them too, or that GravelRoad truly convinced you that their music is good?
The thing about O Death is they run in pretty different circles for some like Those Poor Bastards. They’re from New York, and kind of fall under the Langhorn Slim/Avett Brothers tree. Not saying any of that as a bad thing, but their music might speak more to that crowd.
October 19, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
I’m saying I should give them another chance as I wasn’t really paying much attention to them that night as I was beat from standing on a barstool holding my camera for Hillstomps set. Plus I think I left early.
Langhorne Slim = Eh, I helped some friends shoot live video of him last time he was here. Didn’t do much for me but didn’t think he was too bad either. His cutesy-little-kid voice he does is bleh. Someone in the crowd actually called him on out on that which got everyone laughing.
Avett Brothers = Fuck yeah. I don’t give a shit what anyone says, I’m always ready to listen to em though I do like their older stuff more than the new stuff.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:55 am
haha Nick I was wondering who would be first at this…The Beej, you or me…guess you won…lol
And Trigg you are right about Ill at ease you either love or hate it, like Nick said earlier it is also one of my top tracks on the album. I love the length and the story, Growing up I was a huge fan of Pink Floyd (still am) followed by other such bands like Primus…I think in a way you some how make up your own meaning in it that relates to your life either present time or something in the past.
as for the rest of the album It has to be in my top 5 releases of this year, I think the first time I heard them was on Josh’s show then seeked the band out, like Nick said they do take some getting use to so I as well had to keep coming back in doses, now there is not a day that goes by that either BJ or I aren’t listening to something by lw or tpb!!!
oh one other thing and I am sure I will get slammed for it…I kinda found I liked tpb version of Glory Amen better I think the way he did it fit the song better…
October 19, 2010 @ 11:03 am
Yeah, .357’s version has always felt forced to me. The TPB’s song is probably better, but when you’ve heard a song so many times your brain gets wrapped around it one way and sometimes its hard to unwind.
I think its great that people like “I’LL At Ease” and they shouldn’t let my dumb opinions get in the way of that. The first time I heard it I knew some would fall head over heels for it. And I knew I was not one of them.
October 19, 2010 @ 11:13 am
oh I completely agree in what you are saying about your brain getting wrapped around it, I have allot of older songs I love like that, that either other bands cover or the originator re-does it…
and trigg give Ill at ease a bit longer and you will be sucked in as well…lol just kidding!
October 19, 2010 @ 11:45 am
I love TPB’s music. The depth (layers), the lyrics, the mood etc. I am pretty far “into it” and dig what it is and represents and buy merch from their website.
But, I can’t help but wonder if TPB’s music is becoming a reflection of a fictional “character” that Wyatt creates versus something more personal and deep. Kind of in the same way that the evil-Alice-Cooper is really a dude named Vince who loves to golf. Maybe I’m dead wrong and if I knew him personally, I’d see that Wyatt’s life and TPB’s music are one and the same?
Either way, I like the “character” of the music and enjoy each album, so is there anything wrong with that? Nah. But I do wonder if LW records a TPB track then cracks up watching Two and A Half Men on TV? God I hope not.
October 19, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Hahahahahaha
October 19, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
I can’t say I know Lonesome, but I talked to him for about 20 minutes after a Hank III show in Portland a while back and didn’t get the impression he is a complete bit. I don’t think he’s walking around all day with executioner’s mask on and eating crow for breakfast or anything, but my guess is he believes the philosophies he conveys in his songs. He was also reading a horror comic when I approached him at the merch table, if that helps you at all.
On Episode 101 of Outlaw Radio, Jashie asked him if he was religious and he said, “I’d rather not answer that question” or something to that effect, so I think part of his persona is to keep people guessing.
I’d be surprised if he watches Two & A Half Men.
October 19, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
I’d be surprised if anybody watches Two and a Half Men. I agree that TPB’s music can be hard to get one’s head around – it’s definitely more goth than country. I have one of their albums and A Bitter Harvest and was lucky enough to score the two Halloween singles they released last year – one is grey vinyl, the other orange! Ridiculously cool. I LOVE their artwork, possibly even more than their music! It must cost them a small fortune to output small quantities of this specialised vinyl but they do it anyway. I truly admire and support that kind of individualism and creative genius. I also thoroughly enjoy Lonesome Wyatt’s truly ‘miserable’ fan updates he posts. When you say he is complete ‘bit’ do you mean do you mean like the little piece that plugs into the bottom of a screwdriver or that is a complete tool ;P
October 19, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
I said DIDN”T think he was a bit.
Bit = Gimmick Carla = Hosehead
I think their short run vinyl and artwork are great, and I think lots of other artists could learn from TPB’s how to keep physical format music interesting to people and reduce piracy issues.
I only have one of their vinyl records, because I could only get the music that way. I had a feeling if I started buying one, I’d feel the need to buy them all. Thats the idea, to make collectors of your fans. It’s very smart, and adds another element to the art beyond the music.
Taylor Swift just announced she will release her latest album on vinyl.
October 20, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
Uhhh, you mean one of the primary marketing techniques used by Sub-Pop?
Personally I think it’s a cheap gimmick.
October 19, 2010 @ 11:56 am
And for no good reason at all other than this review inspiring me, I’ve just put together my own playlist of my favorite songs of TPB. Behold and enjoy.
This World is Evil
Crooked Man <–Personal favorite track
They Don't Make Folks Like They Used To
Swallowed by Sin
Fear
The Bright Side
Evil on my Mind
Drunk with Fear
Mess Around
John Henry Gonna
Behold Black Sheep
Have I Been Faithful
Glory Amen
Pills I Took
At the Crossroads
Death Ain't You Got No Shame
Ill At Ease
Also, when the hell is someone going to beat me to the punch and make some kickass videos for these guys?! The music is screaming in agony for videos!
October 19, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
They have to tour more first to have that be a possibility. They might be the biggest losers of the post-Izzy Cox no Hank III opener era.
October 19, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
I mean more in the way of ‘standard’ music videos. There’s some pretty-good live vids of them floating around the youtubes.
October 19, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Totally down for a project like that Nick when we start?
October 19, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
“With Hell So Near” is by far my fav…..
It’s very different, but I really, really like the music TPB puts out……and I’m old
October 19, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
Great list Nlindsay!! I’d love to see videos for some of these tracks too, there’s so much potential……..
I recently saw the band OldBoy who are mentioned in the review above for the Rodentia compilation. They were supporting The Pine Hill Haints a couple of weeks ago and were really good. Very macabre storytelling with a lo-fi country style (accoustic guitar and bass only) very much in the style of the early Those Poor Bastards recordings. I bought a couple of cds from them (an album and an ep) which were put out on Devils Ruin Records a while back, but they told me that there will be a new album out in the new year. Definately worth checkin out!!
October 19, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
Speaking of early TPB recordings, forgot to mention up above that Lonesome Wyatt is putting out a Moldy Basement Tapes recording soon. Had it on the message board a while back:
http://www.forum.savingcountrymusic.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=513
October 19, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
Already pre-ordered son!
3 discs for 16 bucks? Course I had to get it.
October 19, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
Check out the OldBoy songs ‘He Owes Me Money’ and ‘A Tragic Accident’ on their myspace site………….
http://www.myspace.com/oldboyuk
October 19, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
This album is a little too much on the poppy side for me.
October 19, 2010 @ 3:18 pm
If this album is pop, then I’m the next Waylon Jennings.
🙂
October 19, 2010 @ 4:12 pm
In all seriousness, this is my favorite album of the year (although I still haven’t heard the new RAW yet), and I also think this is TPB best effort to date!
October 20, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
haha seriously was confused about this particular comment guys and took me a while to figure it out but I got it now 😉
October 19, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
I am a 52 year old man . Addicted to Hank III music . Those Poor Bastards have to be my 2nd favorite music . I own all their CD’s and yes i wear one of their t shirts to work . i play those poor bastards on my i pod more than any other music . Every song is GREAT !!!!!!!!! as i write this i am listening to ILL AT EASE . yes , i have ordered the Moldy Basement Tapes .
October 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
got my Moldy Basement Tapes , yuck , mold all over them , wish his brother was sane at the time and he could have destroyed them , and the music well …. Looks like I will have to listen to them over and over . Just have to wait for Lonesome to make more music , poor miserable soul .
October 19, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
I always said you gotta smoke a lot of pot to listen to a lot of TPB. I don’t. I like them live and like a lot of their songs but I don’t blast them all the time. Wyatt is without a doubt very talented. I wanna see em live again.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Thanks for the review. I haven’t yet bought this album but I still can’t get enough of Satan Is Watching. I love how LW records his vox. I really dig it when his characters get increasingly crazy during a song, SIW’s final track being a prime example. And I can’t imagine there being anyone on this web-site who wouldn’t appreciate the original version of Take A Look On The Bright Side. I will definitely be buying this album but times are tough so it may be awhile.
October 19, 2010 @ 10:17 pm
Thanks for covering this album. It’s one of my favorite releases of the year- and their best so far. Although I love the shit out of Satan is Watching. I think TPB are one of the most mis-understood, under-appreciated, overly talented acts out there. Their very motif, attitude and sound is the antithesis of what most people look for in music. It’s downbeat, anti-success and on the surface, depressing.The layers need to be peeled away to get at the real essence of their message. Who doesn’t feel poor, dejected, down-trodden and pissed off? I put on TPB when the chips are down and I just want to let the fire smolder. I’ve actually listened to their whole catalog straight through. TPB always cheer me up. How? By taking negative energy and making it positive by the sharing of our anguish. Hands down my favorite song on GH is Mess Around. It’s as upbeat and cheerful as you’ll get from TPB. “Dont waste my time, don’t waste my time, cause I wanna mess around!” Someone should do that metal. They hide hardcore, solid songwriting in their god-awful sounds. That’s where the genius comes in. It’s the only true way to convey their messages and what they’re feeling.Anything else would be patronizing to the listener and a cop out to themselves as artists. They’re not sugar coating anything and don’t give a shit if they win you over. But I do find a lot of humor in their stuff which I reckon they intend. If you don’t get it so be it. I have a feeling that they have more than a little tongue in cheek in Wealth is Death- it sure makes me laugh and feel good. Chemical Church is another fun one. I feel the same energy as some Residents stuff- bad trip carnival soundtrack! If you’re not going to look deep enough into their songs to hear them for the greatness that they contain, you might hear it in a more accessible cover by 357 or Hank III. Some of their stuff is way too intense and grating for me but you know it’s some freaks favorite song-and that’s probably who they want to reach. I guess that’s why they hide such good songwriting among such strange production. They want to ensure that their fans are like they are-true to themselves and indifferent to the market. This will ensure that they never have to deal with dreaded success.
October 20, 2010 @ 7:54 am
well said.
October 20, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
Yeha good point …Weird that not many people probably would have heard them if Wyatt wouldn’t have given Hank III their c.d. at his show. The world needed a goth country band and TPB can hide there enthusiasm for being the pioneers. I always thought that since I heard Country Death Song by the Violent Femmes wayy back.
October 20, 2010 @ 6:12 am
I saw TPB open for III. I also saw LW perform with Rachel Brooke. That was a cool coupling of their unique voices. TPB delve into the uncomfortableness of the dark thoughts and feelings inside of us all. The hypocracies of mainstream religion have been pointed out before: Jesus talks about it in the NT.
Great blog Triggerman.
October 20, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
I Had my fill of TPB after Country Bullshit was sugested to me because I bought Hank III’s Straight To hell. I will say this for them though. I fill the same way about them as I do The Beetles & Bob Dylan. I think they’re great song writers but I just don’t like to hear them sing.
October 24, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
As far as other bands in the Goth/Death Country & Dark Folk style as was asked in a post above here’s some great stuff to check out:
16 Horsepower
Creech Holler
Elliott Brood
Hank Ray
Jeff Zenter
Los Duggans
Phantom of the Black Hills
Pine Box Boys
Slackeye Slim
Sons of Perdition
William Elliott Whitmore
It’s a genre that’s all over the place, and all the bands have a very different sound, but all have the same dark ‘feel’ to them. Just wanted to throw out some suggestions for those interested.
Thanks Triggerman for everything you do, and keep up the great work.