That is a picture of the meathand I made yesterday for my wife’s Halloween party. I was supposed to post that picture and this contest yesterday but all of my plans were derailed by a bad hamburger the night before. Anyhow. Last night was the official release of Strawfoot’s new album, How We Prospered (review), and in celebration they’ve given my a prize pack to award to the ninebullets faithful. So, the first (3) people to email me and tell me what they dressed as last night will win a prize. First person will win a copy of the new album, How We Prospered, the Second person will win a copy of the first album, Chasing Locusts and the first person to email a picture of themselves dressed up last night will win a copy of both cds. GIVEAWAY IS OVER.

Strawfoot – Churchyard Cough
Strawfoot – Independence Day
Strawfoot – Seven Ways

Strawfoot’s Official Site, Strawfoot on myspace, Strawfoot on Facebook

I first found Strawfoot via the Rodentia compilation released by Devil’s Ruin Records. Being more than blown away by their contribution to that cd, I bought their debut album, Chasing Locusts, and the rest is history. Since writing about Chasing Locusts, Marcus (singer) and I have had numerous email exchanges and he was kind enough to send a copy of their newest cd, How We Prospered, my way a few weeks ahead of its fitting Halloween release date.

In the time between Chasing Locusts and How We Prospered, the band lineup found itself in flux by losing a harmonica player and having to replace a bassist and drummer. These changes have done little to lighten the mood of these “foul-mouthed heathens” accompanying a particularly angry preacher. In fact, one could say the new additions have brought the simmering anger of Chasing Locusts to the surface.  The album features 10 original tracks and a cover of Hank’s “Ramblin Man”, plus the track “More Of Dread” whose lyrics were taken from a poem written by Honest Abe Lincoln (yes, the former President). Turns out that in addition to being arguably one of America’s greatest presidents, Abe also fancied himself something of a poet, so in honor of his 200th birthday the band turned one of his poems into song. Think of it like the Old Crow/Bob Dylan co-write of “Wagon Wheel“, only darker.

The words of Strawfoot are something that should be discussed as well. I’m always happy when a band is proud enough of their lyrics to actually include them in the cd insert, but Strawfoot takes that one step further by making a book (available for free download here) that includes the lyrics from Strawfoot’s songbook. It also should be noted that when Marcus isn’t penning songs for Strawfoot, he manages to write books from time to time.

Extracurricular activities aside, a band is ultimately judged on its music and I think Strawfoot’s blend of gospel, folk, country and attitude will leave you feeling wholly satisfied. I came into it with enormous expectations, and after getting over my typical uneasiness with new albums from bands I like I’ve fallen in love with it. Hell, I like it better than Chasing Locusts and I had the nerve to dub that Essential Listening, so I think you already know where this one falls.

Check out the samples and buy it come Halloween.

Strawfoot – Churchyard Cough
Strawfoot – Independence Day
Strawfoot – Seven Ways

Strawfoot’s Official Site, Strawfoot on myspace, Strawfoot on Facebook

Strawfoot is “an angry preacher and a bunch of foul-mouthed heathens” from somewhere in St. Louis. The moment I heard the track “Damnation Way” from the Rodentia compilation I was excited almost to the point of being giddy to hear more music from them.  Within 5 minutes of hearing them for the first time I was downloading their complete album from Amazon MP3. Often in times like these you find that your hopes are met by inconsistent track listings that never quite measure up to the track that got you there. By the time I had gotten to the third track, “Chasing Locusts”, I knew that the track that had introduced me to Strawfoot wasn’t even their best.

I’ve described the goth-country band Those Poor Bastards with the following, “Imagine yourself camping out in some remote Appalachian holler when out of the woods walks Death himself. Now imagine him plopping his ass down at your campfire with his pal and band mate, Desperation, and they break out in song. What do you think that would sound like? What’s that? You’re not sure but you’re kind of creeped out? Welcome to the gothic-country stylings of Those Poor Bastards.” I think that if that impromptu concert were to require an opening act that there are few more qualified to fill the slot than Strawfoot.

Since I’ve found these guys I’ve been pushing them on anyone within hearing distance like Cialis commercials during a football game. They are the first band of this young year that I’ve truly gotten excited about. It’s like they have a conduit that leads straight to my sonic g-spot. Check ‘em out and I’m sure you’ll find them to be Essential Listening as well.

Strawfoot – Wayfarin’ Stranger
Strawfoot – Cursed Neck
Strawfoot – Damnation Way

Strawfoot’s Official Site, Strawfoot on myspace, Buy Chasing Locusts