Ox is a Canadian gem that is grossly under-appreciated in the States. I somehow stumbled across them a few years back and have been smitten ever since. And although I have been batting my eyelashes at them for years now, I’ve yet to see them live. They have never visited Chicago or made a trip down to SxSW.
Combine the handiwork of Mark Browning and his main collaborator Ryan Bishops and tUCo is Ox at their best – singing country-tinged Americana (Canadiana?) about nothing in particular. And honestly, there is nothing particularly different or unique about Ox. They just write earnest, catchy tunes and there is something about Browning’s voice that I find totally captivating. Itis weary and worn, and he sings as if he doesn’t know if anybody is listening. And frankly I don’t know if he cares or not. And when he harmonizes with Billups, it is pure joy.
You’ll see some patterns from prior albums. Absolutely amazing cover? Check! Ox absolutely nails Neil Young’s “Out On The Weekend.” Placing it first amongst the 14 tunes is a ballsy maneuver but one that works here as it sets the tone for the rest of the album. See Ox’s cover of “Surrender” off of American Lo-Fi and Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee” off of Dust Bowl Revival.
Excellent tune about the music industry in “Indie Rock Radio Nation.” Check again. This tune is delivered with the same biting and knowledgeable commentary as “Country Music Promoter” off of American Lo-Fi.
Songs about cars? Checkerooni in “What I Love About Cars.” You’ll find a bunch from past Ox albums, but I am partial to “Trans Am” off of Dust Bowl Revival and “Your Old Buick” off of Burnout. “What I Love About Cars” opens with a very astute observation – What I love about cars, When I am stoned, they feel like a submarine. I decided to test that theory. Yep, its true. I felt like I was in a submarine. Felt weird to be eating Taco Bell in a submarine, but I muddled through it.
And that’s just in the first four tunes. The rest of the album is phenomenal as well. It is tailor-made for fans of country, alt-country, Americana, what have you. And let’s face it, if you are here, you’re probably a fan of all three. If you haven’t heard of them, I strongly urge you to dip in and get behind them. Then maybe we can get them down to Chicago so I can right the wrong of never seeing them in person. Otherwise, I’ll start planning my trip to Sudbury, Ontario.
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Sorry… SXSW 2007, The Ale House. They were great. As I recall, they were also a last minute add in ’06, but travel delays had them on a plane when they were supposed to be on stage…
That stings. I might start a write-in campaign for SxSW 2012.
hey woody, THANKS for this! we actually have been to Chicago too… but, perhaps we’re due for a return! will work on that…
Sudbury is lovely this time of the year…