NEWS JUNKIE POST
May 28, 2010 at 10:07 pmCourt Yard Hounds:Two Chicks From The Shadows Score A Hit
Summer may still be a month in the offing, but the Memorial Day weekend is the first bust- out, break-out, shed the old couped up winter blues holiday that unofficially ushers in the carefree season. And if you’re gonna bust out and breeze down a highway or head to a beach, you’ll need some tunes. And there are some good ones heading to your car stereo or iPod. This is the first of a series that will cruise you through some of the coolest summer releases.
“Court Yard Hounds,” the self-titled debut album from Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, the moonlighting sisters who play second ( and often first) fiddle to lead singer Natalie Maines in The Dixie Chicks, was released at the right time. Boasting a free and easy pop-folk sound that is both a little less traditional country and a little less edgy than the Chicks’ signature sound, the album is a perfect holiday listen. The first single “The Coast” with its catchy pop harmonies and images of “Blue sky, green water and the wind blowin’ in my my hair” will serenade nomads and tourists for many summers to come.
This isn’t to suggest the album is fluff. Far from it. The songs, most written by Robison, often draw from her painful divorce from singer-songwriter Charlie Robison. “Fairytale” is a melancholy swan song to happily ever after. In the languid “Fear of Wasted Time” she struggles with her identity as an artist and a mom. The powerful guitars and beautiful blended vocals of Robison and Maguire on “Delight( Something New Under the Sun)” explores an unknown future, and promising new relationship with both a pulsating urgency and a sense of wonder. “See You in the Spring” is an unnerving, nearly melodramatic duet with an intriguing Band infused influence that pairs Robison with Jakob Dylan’s pensive performance. “Ain’t No Son” is a painful plea from a gay guy seeking acceptance and love from immutable parents.
While some of the lyrics drip with melodrama and manipulate the heartstrings more than organically move them, the sweet resonance of Robison’s and Maguire’s voices, both softer than Maines’, actually underscore the poignancy in many of the tunes. And there are more hits than misses on “Court Yard Hounds.”
Dixie Chicks devotees needn’t fret, the group hasn’t disbanded; they’re just on hiatus while Maines continues to play stay-at- home mom. All three will hit the road later this summer with The Eagles as the Chicks, and a Greatest Hits collection is due in June. And the sisters–who thankfully for fans–can’t seem to sit still are also touring as Court Yard Hounds.
For albums and tour dates: courtyardhounds.com
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What a wonderful article and lovely Song “The Coast.” Looking forward to the album. Thanks for the update on the Chicks and Emily Robison and Martie Maguire. Sorry to hear about the divorce.
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