Front Porch Musings

Well it’s here. It’s big. Very big. Lucero’s “1372 Overton Park” leaked Friday, displaying a bold new direction for the Memphis rockers. There have been many rumors about this release going “away” from the Lucero sound, perhaps due to the influence of having a major label behind them. They’ve made some mis-steps in the past few months. Anyone who witnessed the silly “$5 Cover” can attest to that. Yet, here we are…finally, with the finished product in our hands…smile…

Well, it certainly is a “bigger” sound, but I wouldn’t say it is a giant departure. This is still the same Lucero you know and love, only now they have added a big Memphis Soul sound to really pump up these songs. The result is something undeniably great in my opinion. And lets also be honest with ourselves here, it is time the band tries to grab a bigger piece of the pie. They’ve been busting ass playing 200 shows a year for the last decade now. If they want to sell some more records I certainly think they are entitled to it. However, I’m not sure that’s the reasoning behind the new sound. Honestly, I think they are challenging themselves to do something new. Ben Nichols can write your standard Lucero song in his sleep. It’s a proven formula of whiskey, women and a clever line thrown in here and there. The flipside of my argument is that this is just simply the evolution of a band that can be seen from their self-titled debut to “Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers.” Either way, we have “1372 Overton Park” and it is the most triumphant moment in Lucero’s history.

“Smoke” could be the best song the band has ever written with its pulsating piano, crushing chorus and classic Nichols storytelling, it is the perfect introduction to the record. “What Are You Willing to Lose” has been kicked around in live sets for some time now but it is really nice to hear the song with horns acting as the real meat of the track. “Can’t Feel a Thing” is classic slow-driving Lucero where Ben sings “A bastard from the start but a charming one at that/ A bad reputation but it really ain’t that bad/ it’s alright, I can’t feel a thing.” “Sixes and Sevens” might be my favorite track on the record displaying a new R&B dance influence unseen on any of the band’s prior albums. While this album definitely has its other influences, the band has not abandoned their punk rock roots. “Johnny Davis” and “Halfway Wrong” display the bands penchant to still plug in and crank to 11. Finally, the closing “Mom” is one of the sweetest songs Ben Nichols has ever written. The ode to his mother is a subtle tune, but a gut-wrenching one at that, echoing the heartbreak of most of “Tennessee.”

It is rare to see a band make their best record five or six albums into their career. Lucero has done that easily, surpassing any expectations that have been placed on them. For all intents and purposes, this is a band that should never have outgrown their hometown, let alone toured the nation several times over. Southern Rock really has no place in the national music scene of today’s world. Lucero was the first band to blow past that barrier, playing to punk rockers and country crooners alike, all the while doing it themselves. With a major label behind them, the group can now use their resources to catapult them to the higher ranks of the rock and roll world. Lucero has done their part. “1372 Overton Park” is a record a major label can get behind. Here’s to hoping the public takes notice and does the same…

Johnny Davis:

What Are You Willing to Lose

Can’t Feel a Thing

Enjoy!

-Skeet