Album review: JEB BARRY AND THE PAWN SHOP SAINTS – texas, etc…

Dolly Rocker Recordings [Release date 27.04.18]

Upbeat isn’t a word you ‘d associate with this gritty, lo-fi debut release from Jeb Berry And The Pawn Shop Saints – a sparse acoustic-based set focusing on the darker side of life from the Berkshire Hills of New England.

But there’s something beguiling about the understated delivery that, with repeated plays, works its way below the skin and – before you know it – begins to feel like an old friend.

Spread over two discs – The Sainted, and The Saintless (although the generous 19 songs would have fitted, with room to spare, on a single disc) represent a split between full band arrangements and sparse, mostly solo songs. Although, frankly, not even the ‘rough and tumble’ acoustic driven ‘hard-dirt Americana” of the ‘full band’ The Sainted is exactly sonically over-populated.

And that’s the attraction of this low key, minimalist, release. Every word, every note, every whisper, is exposed. And to stand that level of scrutiny unscathed requires some substance. So when Jeb whispers that he ‘woke up in a ditch, alone’ – you’re there, hungover, but inexplicably filled with hope.

Strangely addictive, and perfect for a ‘feet up’ late night listen in the La-Z-Boy. Preferably, with a large glass of Bourbon. ****

Review by Pete Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 24 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)