Description
The Lonesome Strangers – The Lonesome Strangers – Vinyl Record
The Lonesome Strangers is the self-titled debut album by The Lonesome Strangers, an American alt-country band that gained recognition in the 1980s for their blend of traditional country, rockabilly, and Americana influences. Released in 1986, this album helped establish the band as one of the pioneers of the alternative country movement, which sought to revive and reinterpret classic country sounds with a contemporary edge.
The self-titled sophomore effort by one of California’s most influential bands, the Lonesome Strangers, not only brought them fame, if not fortune, but also helped them build a strong following that continues to support their efforts. Fronted by the brotherly harmonies of Randy Weeks and Jeff Rymes, the Lonesome Strangers borrowed from such great brother duos as the Stanley Brothers, the Delmores, and the Everlys while bringing a fresh and harder edged perspective to their rock & roll hillbilly style.
Their remake of Johnny Horton’s ‘Goodbye Lonesome, Hello Baby Doll’ brought the country music industry to attention. Adding a Buddy Holly twist, the very hillbilly ‘Daddy’s Gone Gray’ takes things to a whole new level. ‘We Used to Fuss’ recalls the humor that old-time country music and Buck Owens made so pleasing. As for ballads, ‘Clementine’ and ‘Oh My Train’ are bittersweet and executed with genuine feeling. Also good is their crack cover of a Delmore Brothers standard, ‘Lay Down My Old Guitar,’ ‘Don’t Back Down,’ and the almost morose ‘Another Fool Like Me.’
Simply put, every cut counts. With production credits going to friend and sometime Lonesome Stranger Wyman Reese and HighTone mogul Bruce Bromberg and the mixing handled by another intimate and major California player, Dusty Wakeman, this second Lonesome Strangers project is ground-breaking.
The Lonesome Strangers were formed in Los Angeles by singer-songwriters Jeff Rymes and Randy Weeks, who were later joined by bassist Ned Leukhardt and drummer Greg Leisz. The band was part of the burgeoning roots and Americana scene in Southern California, which also included acts like Dwight Yoakam, The Blasters, and Los Lobos. Their sound was characterized by tight harmonies, twangy guitars, and a reverence for classic country music, mixed with the energy and attitude of rock and roll.
The Lonesome Strangers features a collection of songs that showcase the band’s ability to blend traditional country themes with a modern sensibility, making the album both a tribute to the past and a fresh take on the genre.
The Lonesome Strangers is characterized by its blend of traditional country music with rockabilly and Americana influences. The album’s themes likely revolve around classic country motifs such as heartache, loneliness, and wandering, all delivered with a sense of authenticity and respect for the genre’s roots. The band’s harmonies, along with the twangy guitars and rootsy instrumentation, create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The style of the album would appeal to fans of both traditional country music and the emerging alt-country movement, which sought to revive and reinterpret the genre for a new generation of listeners. The production would likely be straightforward and organic, allowing the songs and the band’s musicianship to take center stage.
Upon its release, ‘The Lonesome Strangers’ would have resonated with fans of traditional country and roots music, as well as those looking for something new and authentic in the 1980s music scene. The band’s ability to blend classic country sounds with a modern sensibility likely earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated following within the alt-country and Americana communities.
The album helped establish The Lonesome Strangers as key figures in the alt-country movement, paving the way for other bands who sought to bring country music back to its roots while still making it relevant to contemporary audiences.
The Lonesome Strangers remains an important album in the history of alt-country and Americana music. It stands as a testament to the band’s talent and their ability to create music that honors the past while forging a path forward. The album’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, tight harmonies, and rootsy instrumentation continues to resonate with fans of country and Americana, making it a timeless piece of the genre’s evolution.
For those interested in the roots of the alt-country movement or the evolution of Americana, ‘The Lonesome Strangers’ is a must-listen, offering a rich, authentic sound that bridges the gap between traditional country music and the modern Americana landscape.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with clipped off jacket cover corner
Hitone Records 1989 HT 8016
Track Listing
Clementine
Lay Down My Old Guitar
Another Fool Like Me
Goodbye Lonesome, Hello Baby Doll
Oh My Train
Don’t You Run Away From Me
Just Can’t Cry No More
Don’t Back Down
Daddy’s Gone Gray
Just Walk Away
We Used To Fuss
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.