There have been some memorable supergroups over the years, including the Traveling Wilburys, Monsters of Folk, and of course the Cash Money Millionaires. Middle Brother is the newest indie supergroup, and it features a rock solid lineup including Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and John McCauley of Deer Tick (as well as Taylor’s brother Griffin Goldsmith on drums). And, if that weren’t enough, they even tapped Jason Isbell to play some guitar on the album and enlisted the songwriting help of Jonny Corndawg. In the indie music world, that’s about as much star power as you’ll see on one album. I’m surprised they didn’t somehow work in Timbaland or Chingy.
The album is strong from start to finish with each artist contributing their signature styles. If you’re a fan of any of the individual bands, I highly recommend it. The standouts to me are definitely the more upbeat rockers. The entire thing was tracked live with no overdubs, and the energy of the trio was definitely captured. Most songs feature one artist singing on each song, but there are a few where vocal duties are shared – and it comes off great. Standout tracks include “Me, Me, Me”, “Middle Brother”, the 50′s-inspired “Someday” featuring soulful vocals from Vasquez, the Vasquez-led “Blue Eyes”, and “Portland” (a Paul Westerberg cover).
The biggest surprise to me was definitely McCauley’s contribution. I’ve never really had much of an opinion either way on Deer Tick, but McCauley’s voice on songs like “Me, Me, Me” and “Middle Brother” (co-written by Corndawg and Goldsmith) were a nice surprise and change of pace from the more serious, contemplative Deer Tick stuff. He really shines here.
Here’s to hoping they come out with another album…maybe they can get Fat Joe or Jadakiss to contribute next time. Middle Brother is on tour now, and are playing the Metro in Chicago on March 12.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes! Was hoping you would dig it. I think it’s outstanding. I’m a huge Delta Spirit fan, like Deer Tick a lot, and appreciate Dawes too. I think any skeptic would be sold after watching this video, which again features McCauley.
I agree wholeheartedly…Deer Tick and Delta Spirit are my two favorite groups right now, so there was probably no way i wasn’t going to like this one. Can’t wait to see them live on Saturday. I wish Delta was playing with them too…just do a Deer Tick, Delta, Dawes, Middle Brother Show…and have Johnny Corndog (who opened for the Futurebirds earlier this year at Shubas and was AMAZINGLY AWESOME) sell his homemade leather belts and wallets in the lobby while he sang some acoustic tunes. that would = best. show. ever.
How can you not have an opinion either way on Deer Tick? Especially when McCauley’s voice is so fantastic, no matter what the quality of the individual track is.
Oh wow, I totally agree with the awesomeness of this supergroup. Have to agree with the commentators about John McCauley though, the man has got an amazing voice. Baltimore Blues No. 1 sends chills.
super very good band. . . they look great. .
keep on