I don't think it's hyperbolic to say that every music fan has a list of artists whose new album is a cause for celebration. My list includes: Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Drag the River, Drive-By Truckers, and Two Cow Garage. What is it about this band from Columbus, Ohio, that causes such anticipation for a new album? It's lots of things. For one, I have had the pleasure of chatting with guitarist Micah Schnabel and bassist Shane Sweeney, and I feel comfortable saying that you couldn't possibly meet two nicer guys. But more than that, Two Cow Garage is a band that writes really good songs. These guys write the kind of songs you want to sing along to, even when hearing them for the first time. Needless to say, I was pretty stoked when my review copy of Speaking in Cursive arrived.The album opens with "Humble Narrator," and it is classic Two Cow Garage. Though it is filled with a kind of sadness or regret in which Schnabel declares, "the sun has a way of making us pay for our revelry filled nights," it rocks. Frankly, this band never lacks for tunes that rock.
The theme continues with "Folksinger's Heart," in which Schnabel sings, "Don't ever make the mistake of thinking of the past as the good old days." That is particularly heavy sentiment since later in the song Schnabel announces he's only twenty-five years old.
The next song is a tremendous example of why I like Two Cow Garage so much. "Bastards and Bridesmaids" is the kind of song that, if you have it on in your car, you pump your fist, sing along far too loudly, and get funny looks from the drivers around you. Or perhaps that's just me. This is the song from which the album derives its title. "She was Speaking in Cursive. I was pretending to care." I'll just come out and say it. I can't get enough of this tune. From the soft opening where Schnabel sets the scene to the rousing crescendo, this song is just tremendous.
As usual, Shane Sweeney does the vocals on some songs. His deep raspy voice is the lead on "The Heart and The Crown," "Glass City," and "Swallowed by the Sea." Of these three, "Glass City" is the one that sticks with me the most. Sweeney sounds like he's channeling Springsteen on this tune (think "Born to Run"). And if you ask me, emulating The Boss is never a bad thing.
"Skinny-Legged Girl" is another tremendous example of the songwriting abilities of this band. I ask you this, what other artist do you know that will reference Charles Bukowski in a song? Oh, and if that weren't enough, there is a sort of 1967 organ part throughout this tune.
The lineup of Two Cow Garage has changed. Dustin Harigle is no longer with the band. He has been very ably replaced on drums by Cody Smith. The band has also added a guitarist (Chris Flint) and a keyboard player (Andy Schell). One thing that hasn't changed is the music. This is still a band that very much wears its heart on its sleeve. The members pour themselves into each song and record with the same energy they display on stage. So take note, all you bands manufactured simply on how you look (you know who you are). Listen to Two Cow Garage and you will realize what music sounds like when the artists actually feel what they sing and play. This is another excellent album from a great band. A new Two Cow Garage album will always be welcome in my collection.
