Is this the best CD of 2000? Very possibly YES. Denver's 16 Horsepower has to be one of the greatest American bands of the day. These tunes are mesmerizing, intense (even in the quiet moments), and incredibly well thought out. David Eugene Edwards grabs Nick Cave's Birthday Party music and twists it into something much more authentic sounding. When listening to Nick Cave I always get the feeling his religious fervor was a put-on (a dang good put-on). Edwards on the other hand sounds as if he is sitting before God spilling his guts. It's emotional, honest and open. It's no surprise they cover Joy Division in concert. They mine the same arena. Yet, in the end Edwards seems to pull out a sense of meaning because of Who he's singing to.

16 Horsepower released a few CD's on a major label, but for this one they go the independent route (Razor & Tie). The smaller label did not result in any less quality. In fact, though the songs are quieter, the production is more interesting than anything they've done before. It's a sparser sound. Piano plays a bigger part than before. You can't go wrong with anything they've done before this though.

The disc starts off with the blasting "Clogger". Right up there with the best of any of their songs. Within 10 seconds you are transfixed by Edwards' singing. What is he saying? You want to know. You want to know why he's so intense. It's like whatever he's singing is so serious to him and he conveys that just right. Like his life depends on it. It would be a mistake to think the whole disc is like this. Things get mellower quickly. The traditional standard "Wayfaring Stranger" follows and is more accurate to what you'll be hearing the rest of the way. Another highlight is "Poor Mouth" which switches back and forth (control alt-Z) from acoustic based quietness to rocking electric guitars, fused of course with a crazed country sound. "Nobody 'Cept You" is a Bob Dylan cover. It's a beautiful song.

I think the wonderful thing about this band is that the lyrics and music go together so perfectly. There is that stereotype of religious fire and brimstone way back in the mountains of Tennessee. Well, maybe that's not a stereotype so much! You can really hear what that might sound like if one of those kids grew up listening to punk rock and then went and grabbed a banjo and two other musicians (who happen to be from France). Sounds like I'm explaining the Violent Femmes, huh? Or even the Bad Livers. But, no, 16 Horsepower sounds so much more serious. There are not many humorous moments in 16 Horsepower recordings. But they are still immensely enjoyable.

Anyone interested in seeking out 16 Horsepower will be rewarded with music that is vastly different and original. You know those bands you hear and instantly recognize? 16 HP is one of those bands. Many fans will say how much better their live shows are (they ARE great in concert), but these discs are also very good. And "Secret South" is my favorite of the bunch.



Recommended: Yes