D. Striker – I Can Handle It
The beauty of music is that it allows an artist to express their emotional muscles in ways other forms of communication may lack. Whether it’s Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers blowing off steam on one of his political driven rockers, or Lucero’s, Ben Nichols, expressing his love for “the one who got away,” we have been able to understand our favorite artists’ lives and personalities through their music. With that comes a common interest they typically share: love, loss, angst and sometimes joy. But how often do our favorite artists come off humorously? Sure, DBTs “Bob” is a funny song but I wouldn’t label DBT humorous. Just recently we got an email inquiry from the Nashville band, D. Striker, titled “(I’m Hungover In) The Walmart Breakroom” and my first thought was “interesting subject header and are these guys comedians?” As it turned out, the email header was actually the title of an old single, and yes, it was funny. Impressed by the tune I was eager to hear the bands full sound in their latest album, I Can Handle It. Under great assumption I was thrilled to hear humorous subject matter backed with some groovy country music.
Right from track two, “World Worst Swingers” gives you a great indication of what the album will entail. The track’s lead by frontman, Jeff Meltesen (D. Striker) duetting with guest vocalist, Molly Conley as they hilariously plead in the lyrics “We are the worlds worst swingers/ spending our nights together alone/we are the world worst swingers/ never bringing anybody home.” But the humor doesn’t stop there as D.Striker cleverly writes about an ex-lover who no longer finds his witty country songs humorous in “Not Funny Anymore.” A song that is hard not to chuckle at; I’m pretty sure after the women heard it she couldn’t resist but laugh and give the Striker a call back. But before I go into this any further, I want to make it clear that D. Striker’s direction may be driven by hysterical subject matter, but by no means does this discredit them as a quality country band. This is some of the catchiest classic country music I’ve heard in a while. Anytime I hear a pretty simple country melody driven by a weepy pedal steel I’m hooked in seconds. And, this band isn’t all fun and games, like every human being, D. Striker has a serious side, and you can hear that showcased in the song “Last Resort.” Overall, I am very impressed with the album and I look forward to hearing what they have in store in the near future, but why not get to know these guys a little better now? They are offering their album at a “name your own price.” Be a cool ass dude or chick and kick them down a few bucks. You’ll help stimulate the economy and you’ll get a bunch of laughs out of it. It’s a win-win so get there, folks!
Buy “I Can Handle It” here
Peace,
Keith
“Worlds Worst Swingers”
“Not Funny Anymore”
“Last Resort”
