One of Denver’s rockers has gone country. Who? Never you mind and download the honky-tonk track “Getting the Blues” now!
Under a different name, Oscar Ross has been a contributor to the fuzzy hard rock bands and . Both bands have a penchant for loud guitars and belting out lyrics about getting wasted. So, it’s not too far of a leap for Ross to explore his country side, which he has indulged on “Emerald Crown,” an album mostly recorded with reputable studio musicians in Nashville.
Now, one might ask, why the name change? Why write a country album under a pseudonym? To answer would be pure speculation, but let’s do that anyway. On this album, Ross delivers on the country songs about drinking whiskey and getting laid, topics well suited for his hard rock outfits, but he also has songs that are more sensitive, almost folk rock, as on “Suzy Am Goodtime” and “My Father,” a sincere tribute to fatherhood. Such a chasm between sensitive country and masculine hard rock needs a distinction like a name change, right?
The thing is, the chasm is not as wide as one might think. Below the surface of these often fun, always honest country tunes with impressive harmonies and stellar guitar work is rock ‘n’ roll, plain and true. nd the best rock ‘n’ roll is sensitive in one moment, and balls out in the next. Think of how the Flying Burrito Brothers were straight honky-tonk, but really just rock. Then, add a certain sort of punk sensibility, and you have Oscar Ross.
It’s clear that Ross was graced with the help of some talented Nashville musicians on this recording — as well as Jeanie Schroder of DeVotchKa on bass for a couple tracks — but these musicians fell in love with Ross’ songs, and it shows.
What to do with this music remains to be seen. Ross is currently looking for a band to perform the tracks live. (Anyone know a decent female singer and musician for hire? He’s looking.) And if he can now find his band, “Oscar” could be on to something. Though, Ross strumming these songs alone in a smoky bar — if such a thing still existed in Colorado — would be equally as awesome.
Download “Getting the Blues,” a two-stepping honky-tonk, below. Then help Oscar Ross find a band.
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks — along with any interesting facts about them, as well as a photo or album art — to Steal This Track for consideration.
Josh Johnson is a Denver freelance writer and Reverb contributor. He’s also a journeyman butcher. Seriously.
