CD Review: The Youngers - Heritage

The Youngers - Heritage
2008, Obuck Records

At the crossroads of roots rock and country sit the Youngers. The Pennsylvania band combines the two musical worlds in ways that surprise and delight on Heritage, due out September 9, 2008 on Obuck Records. The Youngers tapped John Carter Cash (son of Johnny and June Carter Cash) to produce Heritage, and it was recorded at the Cash Cabin studio in Hendersonville, TN. The results show an array of influences, from Bruce Springsteen to Neil Young, and even something of the enigmatic nature of early R.E.M. recordings while mining the chasm between rock and roll and country for gems.

And gems there be. Heritage is an outstandingly eclectic mix of songs and styles. From the country-pop of Heartbreaker to the classic country sorrow of Downtown, Heritage covers all the bases. The brightest highlight here is Middle Of The Night, which has an E Street Band feel to it. Big Ol' Freight Train is my other favorite track on Heritage, bringing Bluegrass definitively into the mix of sounds here. Other highlights include Highway 9, The Ride and the rocker In The Morning.

Heritage features special guests John Carter Cash (percussion), Laura Cash (violin), Ralph Mooney (pedal steel for Waylon Jennings), Ronnie McCoury (Mandolin), James Harton (B3, Piano) and former Younger Jesse Nocera (guitar). This should be your first clue to how good Heritage is. When this many quality musicians want to contribute to a project there's a reason.

Heritage is all it promises to be. It’s an homage to the past and a stride into the future. Outstanding songwriting, tight musicianship, clear vocals and a knack for writing memorable melodies make Heritage a must-own album. The Youngers just keep getting better and better.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Youngers at www.theyoungers.com. Heritage arrives September 9, 2008. Keep checking The Youngers website for purchase information.