Blackie Jackett Jr. — Whiskey And Tears

Whiskey And Tears

Smokin' Mule/Warner

Steve McLean (CHARTattack)

08/27/2009 4:26pm

Blackie Jackett Jr. are the country music side project of Finger Eleven's James Black and Rick Jackett and friends. Although they have fun with a lot of country cliches, they want everyone to know this is no joke and they have a lot of love for the genre.

Black sings lead and plays acoustic guitar, while Jackett picks at a banjuitar on these 14 tracks about women, drinkin,' druggin' and drivin' recorded wherever the musicians found themselves, which results in a lo-fi sound that echoes vintage country recordings.

Sandra D is an effective vocal foil in duetting with Black on "Stuck In Rewind" and "You And Me," and fans should have no problem singing along to the choruses of the title track and "Burned (Fuck Me)."

While these songs are best enjoyed live with a table full of empty bottles in front of you, the recorded versions reinforce that Blackie Jackett Jr. should be considered more than a novelty act.

I'd much rather listen to this than Finger Eleven.

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