From the Kerr Macy Session (1994):
8. South Pennsylvania Waltz (On the self titled EP and Hoarse)
9. My Narrow Mind (On Low Estate)
10. American Wheeze (On Sackcloth 'n' Ashes and Hoarse)
11. Shametown (On the self titled EP)
12. Train Serenade
13. Strong Man (On Sackcloth 'n' Ashes)
-
Live 1994 at Mercury Cafe in Denver (1994, duh):
15. Slow Guilt Trot
16. Low Estate (On Low Estate and Hoarse)
17. Pure Clob Road (On Low Estate)
18. Heel on the Shovel (On Sackcloth 'n' Ashes)
19. Sac of Religion (On Low Estate)
20. Dead Run (On Low Estate)
Like I said, it seems like most of the recordings differ from the other cd versions. Plus, the self titled EP is out of print now (though occationally pops up on Ebay). There are also two songs which I could not find listed on any of my cds. They may have been released as b-sides, or been featured on a European release, as they occationally differ from the American release. I actually would not be surprised if the European release of this cd differs from the American release I'm reviewing here.
Thankfully, the final six songs, the live ones, are recorded better than Hoarse was. Hoarse had a flat feel to it, these songs don't. This alone is cause for fans to want this cd if different studio recordings don't interest them.
Tracks seven and forteen are both "interview" tracks. The first one is with just David Eugene Edwards and is just a few statements from him lasting, maybe, 10 seconds or so. Track forteen is longer and features several different people.
All in all, this is a solid release by one of the most inventive bands around today. I would recomend it for people who want to get into 16 Horsepower's early stuff, but aren't sure which one to get. (Though I'd probably recomend Secret South or Folklore before this one.) Diehard fans will be pleased with a lot of the material on here. However, casual fans who already own Sackcloth 'n' Ashes or Low Estate will probably want to steer clear and just get which ever one they don't already own.
peace.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
Low Estate is a great record.
It's kinda confusing to me that more christians arent' interested in bands like this.
what's the deal, is the "message" not direct enough or something?
2 - The Theory
the christian's problem with bands like this is a)16 Horsepower isn't in the christian music industry. The majority of christians don't bother looking outside their little bubble to try and find christians in the mainstream. It's not that they don't care... they're just satisfied with what they have.
and b) (this applies to everyone, not just christians) 16 Horsepower just doesn't play a style of music that will appeal to pop culture. They're too raw and extreme for country fans and they're too country for everyone else. The only marketing scheme I can see for them is to market it to younger Johnny Cash fans.
In America 16HP's biggest fan base is probably indie teens/young adults who have lost their fear of any music which has even a hint of country to it.
peace.