Record Review - 3 February 05 2004

Formed in 1988 as an acoustic combo, Detroit's Volebeats have evolved into a sturdy, dependable electric alt-country outfit. The band is as likely to observe the genre's general requirements (sincere, homespun vocals, unflashy, twangy instrumental backing) as to turn them on their head. The band consistently relaxes the definition of what "country favorites" might actually stand for on this odds-and-ends collection split between covers and originals. The Volebeats are set to finish up a proper full-length album of originals for later this year.

The covers are an eclectic, oddball bunch designed for extreme makeovers. Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain" is slowed to a crawl. Eddie Hazel's original manic, emotionally overloaded fretwork is refined until its bittersweet melody is wrapped only in a static lazy drone. Slayer's "Die by the Sword" has its rhythmic pummel replaced with elastic nuance. ABBA's "Knowing Me, Knowing You" stands on its own melodic strength without the usual nod 'n' wink that usually accompanies camp classics. Only the York Brothers' 1940's prostitution homage "Hamtramck Mama" is played with its original intentions intact. Reinterpreting the 13th Floors Elevators' "I Had to Tell You" and Serge Gainsbourg's "Manon" make for intriguing listening and send the group further outside its stylistic parameters.

However, it shouldn't be overlooked that the band does serve up several notable originals as well. Vocalist/guitarist Jeff Oakes' surprisingly upbeat "One I Love" (not the R.E.M. song, folks) and guitarist Bob McCreedy's "Hold On" both showcase the group's obvious indestructible chemistry.