Turnstyled: 10/25 -11/2

 

 

Chicken Tractor Deluxe
Nightcub Jacks & Undertakers
(Self)
Website: www.myspace.com/thechickentractor

Get ready for a knee-slappin’ good time with Chicken Tractor Deluxe’s Nightclub Jacks & Undertakers. This Pennsylvania based band who bring Outlaw Country Rock crossed with everything from Hillybilly pickin’ to Ragtime horns and all things twangy in between, seem to be part of a recent and growing trend of musicians bringing quality music to the Americana scene from the Keystone State (Hit and Miss Engines, Larabee).

Chicken Tractor Deluxe has a wide variety of vocal styling and country-based influence. The brass tinged, “When That Great Ship Went Down” is straight up Levon Helm while “The Cuckoo” sounds like it could have come from a Steve Earle, Del McCoury session. The Bluegrassy, “Father Bed” is a little bit Doc Watson and “Reuben’s Train” conjures up memories of the fine tuned roots rock Beggar’s Banquet-era Rolling Stones.  Whatever it is they’re playing it’s good.  And Nightclub Jacks & Undertakers is just about the perfect record for late night front porch listenin’ and beer drinkin’.

 

 

Sons of Fathers
Sons of Fathers
(Blanco River Music)
Website: www.sonsoffathers.net

These guys may be young, but they’re on their way to becoming an Americana force to be reckoned with. Sons of Fathers, the duo of Austin, TX natives, Paul Cauthen and David Beck, sound like a couple of Good Ol’ Boys whose self-titled album will likely find its way on repeat in dorm rooms, after a few too many bottles of Southern Comfort.

They reign from Texas, but Sons of Fathers sounds more along the lines of what might come out of some roots musically-ept dive bar in Asheville, NC.  The mix of bluegrass and modern indie rock influence, along with an odd baritone/tenor blend, make Sons of Fathers a band to keep high on the radar. Songs like the reflective “The Country” shows they might just be an early Avett Brothers in the making, while their homeland nod, “Flatlands,” showcases a peculiar, toned down, Ryan Bingham sort of peculiar vocal maturity. Look out for Sons of Fathers to become a college radio favorite in the future, because this is the sort of stuff that is bound to grow into something really interesting.

 

 

Chris Canterbury
Poets, Profets and All Things Forgotten
(Self)
Website: www.chriscanterburymusic.com

Hop in an old pickup, take a drive down a dusty old road and get ready to crank up some tunes. There’s just something about a big guy with a beard that almost always bodes well in making quality Southern rock. Chris Canterbury proves this theory with the album, Poets, Profets and All Things Forgotten, a catchy album that sounds like Jason Isbell meets Nashville, topped off with a little bit of outlaw edge.

Hailing from the Deep South, this Louisiana singers/songwriter’s moody vocals and infectious brand of hook-driven songs, like “Front Porch Song,” are the sort that might even garnish appreciation from classic country fans who happen to stumble upon the modern variety.  But unlike most of what comes from the new country sound, this isn’t just pop music with steel guitars.  It’s quality songwriting with roots, fine tuned arrangements and lyrical depth that just happen to be Top 40 friendly.

Then again, for strict Americana purists, there may just be a few too many bells and whistles to appeal to the minimalist senses. But for those who like to get drunk, get rowdy and get their dance on, pop open a domestic brew and redneck it up with  Poets, Profets and All Things Forgotten.

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To hear music from the above mentioned artists, be sure to check out Turnstyled, Junkpiled’s weekly “Pimp Podcast.”