By Brian Rock
Chicago honky-tonkers, Sparkle Carcass continue to sparkle on their sophomore album, Maraschino Chevy. The band’s infectious brand of country music blends traditional honky-tonk with a rocking, alt-country attitude. Drawing inspiration from Old 97s and Reckless Kelly, Sparkle Carcass makes Chicago feel like a suburb of Fort Worth, TX.
“Texarkana Moonlight,” celebrates the band’s indie country heroes and working-class stiffs everywhere. Pedal steel and jangling guitars evoke authentic Texas roadhouse vibes as lead singer, Cody Palmer sings, “Excuse me if I come home late. Sometimes I get too many things on my plate. When the work is done, I wanna have a little fun.” The interplay between guitar and pedal steel conveys the fun of the moment. Assessing the demands of work, relationships and daily living, Palmer muses, “The best we can do is feel alright. Everybody’s wound up way too tight.” We all need a little escape valve to let off some steam when the pressure gets too high. This song (and a sawdust covered dancefloor) is the perfect way to release life’s pent-up tensions.
“Sippin’ On A Cool One,” keeps the party rolling. A rollicking honky-tonk cover of a little-known 70’s tune by a band called Rollin’ Country; the song extols the joys of simple living with good friends and cold beverages. “Maraschino Chevy,” uses classic old school Country rhythms to celebrate true love, family ties, cherry sports cars, and Don McClean’s “American Pie.” “Not Ever,” is Palmer’s Jimmy Buffett influenced, Calypso Country plea to his lover to overlook his faults and stay with him forever. “New Year No You,” is a honky-tonk lament when his pleas go unanswered. On “Rainy Day Head,” Palmer reflects on the errors of his past. Singing, “Been thinking on how I make the same damn mistakes. When I think about it, I want to start all over again.” The lively, alt-country rhythms are a stark contrast to the dark clouds in his mind. “Single Again,” is a classic country ballad that acknowledges it’s way too late to save that relationship. “Caldwell County,” caps the album with a The Band inspired ballad about returning to your roots to recharge your batteries. Palmer sings, “Think I’ll drive out into the country, where there ain’t no one else around. Dunk my feet into a river and watch my sorrow all leak out.” After reconnecting with nature and family, he is finally able to, “take a new crack at this thing.” Pulses of Hammond Organ shine like light through the darkness as Palmer realizes the things that brought him temporary pleasure pale in comparison to the things that bring him lasting peace. When chasing the next buzz or the next fling becomes an empty cycle, get off the treadmill. Reconnect with your family, Reconnect with nature. Reconnect with the Divine, however you perceive it. Know that you are not alone on your journey and take comfort that each new day is a chance to start again. After you get your head straight and your priorities right, Sparke Carcass reminds us that those “cool ones” and “maraschino Chevys” will still be there waiting for us; not to mention a whole lot of great honky-tonk music.
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Brian Rock
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