The Honeycutters
Album: Me Oh My
Label: Organic
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.honeycutters.com

This is just the third album issued by The Honeycutters since their formation in 2007. Whether they are slow, lazy or just very selective I am not sure, but fans of the band must surely feel that this album was worth waiting for. It portrays pure country from the first track to the last.

The band is led by founder member Amanda Anne Platt who is lead vocal on all the tracks, plays the guitar, produces the album, writes all the songs and quite probably feeds the band in between takes. The words versatile and accomplished were probably invented for this lady.

In addition to Amanda, the band consists of Tal Taylor, Rick Cooper, Josh Milligan and Matt Smith. The album also includes a number of guest artists one of whom is Mark Platt, presumably a relative of some sort.

So what does the purchaser of this album get for his or her money? An album of quality thoughtful songs with typical country backing. Songs of love, life and growing up. Mean and moody at times, but never disappointing.

The opening track "Jukebox" sets the tone for the album with a relatively slow swing song about taking life one day at a time. "Me oh My" the title track is a bit of a heartbreaker. "I had a baby but the good lord took her. She was an angel but her wings were crooked." Perhaps not the best song to listen to if you are feeling down and need a quick lift! It is very deep though and thoughtful. The next track "Edge of the Frame" should however pick you up again. I love the simplicity of "Carolina." "Little Bird" takes the pace right down to a crawl. "Wedding song" makes fabulous use of the mandolin and is possibly my favourite track on the album which also shows Amanda's voice at its very best. It also contains some beautifully balanced harmonies.

I would like to know who "Hearts of Men" has been written about. Whoever he is, he is 46 years of age and wears a suit and a tie. Clever and imaginative lyrics. "Ain't It the Truth" would be a great show closer, a real foot tapper.

I will confess here that I was not exactly blown away by the album on first listen, but as I have listened more to it I have come to really enjoy the quality of Amanda's vocals, the musicianship of the band and the quality and originality of the lyrics. A bit of a slow burner this one but well worth waiting for the ignition, just as I did.

Rory Stanbridge