Album Review: Reckless Kelly – Bulletproof

Very thoughtful review, Jim.

I also enjoyed this album. the truth is, i wouldve enjoyed it to a certain extent even if it didnt turn out as well as it did, cuz I am a huge fan of these guys. I do think this album is Country, I also think it’s Rock. I dont see a need to place it in, or keep it out of a nice-neat little label, simply due to its edgier and more agressive sonic qualities, especially in this era where the lines are so very blurred. While I dig the topical songs, “God Forsaken Town” really digs deep and doesnt take the easy way out of Bush-bashing. By telling the story from the desperate & hopeless resident point of view, I feel like I am being shown the reason why people are so mad about what happened and not just being told that people are mad about what happened in N.O.

My biggest problem with Reckless Kelly has always been their fairly bland rock arrangements and it sounds like they may have fixed those. I’ll have to check it out.

I am not a big fan of Brighter Than Creation’s Dark–OK, let’s be frank…I thought it was atrocious–so needless to say that I strongly prefer Bulletproof.

But they are two very different types of records, and I’m not sure you can compare them fairly. BTCD at least has the pretense that it’s an Alt. Country record, and I just don’t hear that on Bulletproof. Some of this stuff isn’t that far removed from mainstream rock.

Jim: Mainstream rock like Fall Out Boy and Daughtrey or mainstream rock like Five For Fighting and Seether?

I would describe Fall Out Boy as alternative, and I would describe Seether as Hard Rock. But a Daughtry comparison might be workable.

That’s not to say that they sound the same–they don’t, by any stretch. But it’s a question of separation. If we took out some of the rock posturing on the Daugherty record, what would it sound like?

Bulletproof certainly has a roots or acoustic element, but it’s a more direct path, musically speaking, from this album to, let’s say the Foo Fighter’s acoustic disc, than it is to get to just about anything in the world of country music.

That verb is mentioned in just about every review I have read (or written) about this album, which shows that it’s percussive nature is indeed a key element…i guess.

I only learned it after reading a review of Steve Earle’s recent release and his use of loops, pro-tools and hip-hop beats. So I am new to it as well….unless you are kidding, and if so, uh, I have known about it for a really long time….

So you were a precursor?

Nice review. Imma check it out.

At the risk of starting a political war here..

I’ll start by saying that are government is far from perfect, has tons of problems, and screws things up on a regular basis. Conservatives and liberals can, I hope, find common ground in that thought. And, because of our laws, we all have the right to say that without landing in jail. A lot of people in the world don’t have that right. So I have a real problem with the phrase “God Damn Uncle Sam.” “Uncle Sam” does a tremendous amount of good in the world, and for people here. Our military, for example, was the first on the scene to provide relief after the tragic tsunami a few years ago.

I can’t stand it when musicians, especially ones that I like, like RK,
start waxing political. For the most part, all they are doing is showing a real lack of knowledge about objective history. When they (not just RK) bash the current administration, especially, it is done with the attitude of “look how brave I am”, but it the current political environment, it is anything but. Lyrically, these songs sound to me about as insightful as a Rascal Flatts tune. They do nothing but preach to the choir, and risk alienating part of the artist’s audience.

I have several of RKs cds; I especially love the recent live one. And yes, there guitar player is excellent. They have every right to say what they want on their records, just as I have the right to skip buying this one.

My problem with RK is their total lack of originality. I tried to like this, but just like everything else they’ve ever done, to me, it lacks the spark that would set them apart from a thousand other bands. Braun’s vocals are only a part of the problem. It lacks a distinctiveness and forever reminds me that Steve Earle did the same thing they’re doing at the outset of his career and he did it with a ton more heart and imagination. Yeah I know it’s ‘country rock’ and after awhile it all starts to sound the same, but there are ways to make it sound interesting (at this point I suggest listening to a Son Volt record) and Braun’s either doesn’t seem interested in doing so or aren’t capable of it. PS: Hi Kelly!

Next you’ll tell me there’s no Santa Claus!

I think it is their best album and I have been a fan for a while. It is rotating with the new Alejandro escovedo as my heavy play CDs at the moment.