Ghosts of Hallelujah (1999)

About this title: The Gourds' third full-length, Ghosts of Hallelujah, finds them evolving their sound quite successfully with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Max Johnston and new drummer Keith Langford. Both presences are immediately noticeable on the opening romp, "Up on High," where Langford's idiosyncratic drum riff leads the tune and Johnston's relaxed, secure fiddling supports Jimmy Smith's if-the-Pogues-were-from-Texas swagger. The songwriting of both Smith and Kevin Russell has more strength than ever before. Their trademark ability to articulate striking, lovely, and humorous emotions via ... read more

Tracks:

1. Up on High [Smith]
2. Ghosts of Hallelujah [Russell]
3. Gangsta Lean [Russell]
4. County Orange [Smith]
5. Ladies Choice [Smith]
6. January 6 [Russell]
7. Pair of Goats [Smith]
8. Fine Leather Truck [Russell]
9. Bean Bowl [Smith]
10. My Time, Yer Time [Smith]
11. Son of Bum [Smith]
12. The Flat Baritone [Russell]
13. (The New Way Of) Grievin' & Smokin' [Russell]
14. Rugged Roses [Smith]
15. Lowlands [Russell]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.