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Lucero

Nobody's Darlings (2005)
East/West

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Contributed by: KirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on May 24th 2005

Lucero return to the scene with Nobody’s Darlings; the question is, though, what scene? In 2003, the quartet released what most consider their definitive release: That Much Further West, an indie inspired alt-country record which showed that the band had matured significantly together and cemented their distinct sound. The safe route for the Memphis, TN group would be to continue down that path; however, the road they did travel upon only brought them to craft their fourth full-length with the help of Jim Dickinson (Bob Dylan, the Replacements, Rolling Stones) in the style of a pure Southern rock record.

While there are still signs from the previous effort (see “Sixteen” and “All the Same To Me”), the majority of Nobody’s Darlings is rock‘n'roll from below the Mason-Dixon line at its finest. From the wheel-turning guitar chug in “Watch It Burn” to the burley Southern dialect of vocalist/guitarist Ben Nichols proves that the choice to further expand their musical horizon is no mistake. Having already pulled comparisons to the legendary Johnny Cash and late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, a draw to Mike Ness of Social Distortion is heavily hinted at on the high-flying “Bikerider.”

Not many albums can paint a picture before your eyes as the ambience fills the airwaves, but as the dust from the speeding motorcycle settles, a beautiful sun-filled horizon comes into focus as the title track guides another shot of whiskey down. ”…And we raise a glass” croons the rough Nichols as “And We Fell” chases another shot down at the bar with your closest friends on a cool summer’s evening.

The slower rockers on the record such as “Noon As Dark A Midnight,” “Hold Me Close,” and the aforementioned two tracks are some of the most refreshing of the year; nothing is more exciting than the raw, balls out Dixie-guitar blazers such as “California” and another late evening drinking song “Last Night In Town.” The finishing touch to this perfect road trip mixture of songs is the most mature and emotionally depressing song Lucero have ever written. A gloomy tale of a lonely World War II draftee who took his own life solidifies the impact the group has nailed with Nobody’s Darlings: An emotional ride that is every bit as enjoyable as it is remarkably lifelike.

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thepinballwizard (November 19, 2008)

I really like these guys. They have that older sound to them. "Bikeriders" is one of the best songs I've heard in a while.

Anonymous (October 12, 2005)

By the way I need to learn to spell. Nobody's Darlings. Sorry guys.

Anonymous (October 12, 2005)

This album is great. I don't know what you guys are talking about. No it's not as good as 'THAT MUCH FURTHER WEST' OR 'TENN' but it still just four guys being honest and writing what they feel like writing. OK the voice is raspy, but have you listened to any LUCERO album? Ben has sung that way since he was in RED 40. It's not suprise there.
Anyway, Nobodies Darilings is one of the best songs they have written to date. Also, this cd is way better than the first Lucero album. It's more realized.
If you don't like the album then that is fine. Just don't knock a band for writing an album that they is true to their heart. That's all that really matters anyway. These guys have been at it for years and they are still sleeping on kids floors and 'keeping it real'. Weigh out what matters and discard the rest.

Anonymous (September 12, 2005)

"Don't kid yourself lil boi..

The Nirvana type vocals are annoying....

oh yeah Nirvana fucking sucks"

I think you come off soundind more like a 'Lil' boy" than the previous poster. Lucero is better than alk3, but there is no similarity in the music. Also, you've probably never likstened to much nirvana outside off "teen spirit" and "come as you are".

------------
Your name says it all you fag

Anonymous (July 4, 2005)

Superb

sciulli (June 16, 2005)

This album REALLY grew on me after a few listens.

Solid all around. If you like That Much Further West, I see no reason why you wouldn't like this.

notfeelingcreative (June 13, 2005)

Anonymous (May 28, 2005)

wyzo,

Start with track 3 "bikeriders". It changed my feelings on the album; I like it a lot better now.

Anonymous (May 27, 2005)

this is album number 5 (6 is you count 8 Paces as an album).

Well written review.

Anonymous (May 27, 2005)

Most lucero listeners, myself included, I've talked to about this have been turned off.

I mean, the vocals are just awful, the first songs "uh-huh" in the chorus is just wretched, strained, like a guy with laryngitis. It sounds like a bunch of good songs given the beating of their lives.

Its less country and more rock, and less sincere, and more hammy, kind of cheesy.

I'll give it another try in a few months, but I can't get past the first songs nasal, voice cracking, and gimmicky "UH HUH" every other chorus line.

wyzo

ubershep (May 26, 2005)

"The Mekons were english...hard comparison"

Still country-punk none the less. Still better.

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

I just totally "impulse buy-ed" this and it's pretty good. Honestly, it sounds a lot like TMFW. A little bit more up-tempo, but similar song structures, lyrics etc... in fact, they could probably stand to change their sound up a little for their next album. As is, it's very nearly as good as TMFW and a great companion piece.

I see this getting a lot of play this summer.

OC

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

These fellas are ok. it doesn't blow me away its just ok.

It'll be a nice addition to the 102.7 library

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

Even sort of good Lucero is better than Alk 3.

Don't kid yourself lil boi..

The Nirvana type vocals are annoying....

oh yeah Nirvana fucking sucks

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

Even sort of good Lucero is better than Alk 3.

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

i really like this cd, although i haven't heard any of their older stuff

unconcerned (May 26, 2005)

Nothing about this album amazed me

It was worse than TMFW... TMFW was a decent cd... It was my least favorite Lucero recording, but it was still awesome and was still a quality cd... Now this one comes out and not only is it the worst Lucero cd but it is borderline just bad and rather hard to listen to...

The direction it went it didn't surprise me, but the delivery did... It let me down big time

Listening to the s/t at the moment in memory of lucero's greatness... Here's to hoping the next one gets better...

Anonymous (May 26, 2005)

These guys never cease to amaze me. Tennessee is still far and away their most solid work (as far as I give two shits) though.

Anonymous (May 25, 2005)

The Mekons were english...hard comparison

ubershep (May 25, 2005)

The Mekons are better.

mjg (May 25, 2005)

the cover art sucks

skanknsmile (May 25, 2005)

not a damn place in el paso had this album. sigh to the special orders....

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

Dear New Scratch,

Your prices are way high and your selection is wack. Leave it to the pros and don't spam internet boards. Thank you.

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

i just wanted to add that this record is fantastic. it's not quite tennessee, but it's still damn solid.

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

another great record from these guys.

did anyone else read the review in AP of this? what a fucking joke.

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

Not as good as it should be.

Questions for mods or staff; will my Colonel Rhodes review ever see the light of day?

Cos (May 24, 2005)

they should re-release their cover of "Kiss the Bottle". That was magic.

--Cos

notfeelingcreative (May 24, 2005)

Good Record, I prefer, "that much further west", but still great stuff.

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

Lucero lives in Memphis, TN and has for quite some time. Ben is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. For simplicity, they are from Memphis.

SkolarX (May 24, 2005)

"The safe route for the Memphis, TN group "

i'm almost certain they aren't from TN. i'm thinking they are from Arkansas. just saying

if this record is even half as good as that much further west it'll be worth picking up

Inspection12e (May 24, 2005)

Picking this up tomorrow. I haven't heard any of it yet but I have high hopes.

Score is for that much further west.

Timis (May 24, 2005)

i liked "that much further west" much better. this album is ok.

JKyle (May 24, 2005)

Oh man, is this out already? I heard "Bikeriders" on a comp and loved it, so I bought That Much Further West and loved that, too...guess I'll need this one now.

Anonymous (May 24, 2005)

Goddamn, this is real good stuff. Everyone should pick it up or DL it. It's been leaked forever.

Karl_With_a_K (May 24, 2005)

super album.