Long Ryders
State of our Union - Island 1985 Comments:This second full-time album by the Long Ryders comes in a solid extension of the predecessor "Native Sons"; that is catchy rock with strong roots in both country and rock often with a touch of punk. The songs are written by the group's members are served with chiming guitars and solid rock riffs and based on a tradition created by groups like the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers. There are several songs with political messages, which gives the album further edge.There are really no weak numbers among the 11 original tracks, and many are among the group's very best. My favorites are "Lights of Downtown", "Good Times Tomorrow, Hard Times Today", "You Just Can Ride the Boxcar's Anymore" and "Capturing the Flag", all of which are in upbeat country-rock style. The pace is a bit down on "Years Long Ago", which is another really great song written by bassist Tom Stevens, while "WDIA" is a charming and catchy song based more on the blues. Of course one should also mention "Looking for Lewis and Clark", which was a single hit for the group. The four bonus numbers are quite different and really only "Southside of the Story" seems in line with the original album.
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