There is just only so much Salsa music I can handle Newyoricans...Seriously

Deer Tick: Black Dirt Sessions

This band from Rhode Island has released their third, full-length effort, and show no signs of slowing down. Within the last year, John McCauley and the boys (who have recently gone through some changes; losing Andy Tobiassen, and adding Guitarist Ian O’Neil previsously with the SWSX superstars Titus Andronicus) released an EP- More Fuel For The Fire, a full-length, and had their heart pulled out by those crazies over at Pitchfork (with their normal bullshit treatment), toured the country more then once, and opened Coachella with their front man wearing a sun dress.


It's to be expected that being a Rhode Islander myself, I will come off Pro Deer Tick and yes, that assumption fits the case with most things that come from the smallest state, but Deer Tick, more importantly frontman John McCauley, has really come into his own as a song writer with such heartbreakers like, "Goodbye, Dear friend" and "The Sad Sun".  Also included is the track "Jesus Christ", a welcome re-release from their first record, War Elephant.  It seems to be reworked a bit, but equally as effective. 

The two ballads at the start of the record seem to slow it down to a crawl, but then along comes the guitar-infused jam, "Mange" which gives us a nice look into their possible future.  That being said, I want to hear some sort of progression with most bands I listen to but that doesn't seem to be the case with Deer Tick; I think they are just fine where they are...BRAVO guys.


1. Choir of Angels (2:54)
2. Twenty Miles (3:43)
3. Goodbye Dear Friend (4:58)
4. Piece by Piece and Frame by Frame (4:09)
5. The Sad Sun (4:34)
6. Mange (5:16)
7. When She Comes Home (3:53)
8. Hand in My Hand (4:31)
9. I Will Not Be Myself (3:22)
10. Blood Moon (4:40)
11. Christ Jesus (4:32)

Thanks for letting me ramble, it's like 400 degrees in my 6 story walk-up, so forgive me if I am a little loopy.

PEACE, Thanks to The Boss for putting me on.

Hatface