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Believe (Th' Legendary Shack Shakers album)

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Believe
Studio album by
Legendary Shack Shakers
Released2004
Recorded2004, Roswell East Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre
Length35:01
LabelYepRoc
ProducerJ.D. Wilkes
Mark Robertson
Legendary Shack Shakers chronology
Cockadoodledon't
(2003) 		Believe
(2004) 		Pandelirium
(2006)

Believe is the fourth studio album by American rock band Legendary Shack Shakers, released in 2004. This album, along with Pandelirium (2006) and Swampblood (2007), form a trilogy of albums referred to as the "Tentshow Trilogy" by the band.[2]

Musical style

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According to AllMusic, Believe sees the Legendary Shack Shakers "adding a few more flavors to their usual gumbo of country, blues, rockabilly, and punk".[3] Pitchfork felt that the album was "Southern Baptist imagery meets klezmer/rockabilly" and described the album's music as "cowpunk/psychobilly that deals in quasi-religious/sacreligious vagaries".[1] PopMatters wrote regarding the album's style, "No doubt some bluegrass or rockabilly purists will find Believe's hyper-menacing flirtations to be sacrilege, but that’s kind of the point. To hell with traditions and placated expectations! This ain’t yer daddy’s rockabilly."[4]

Believe, along with Pandelirium (2006) and Swampblood (2007), form a trilogy of albums referred to as the "Tentshow Trilogy" by the band.[2]

Lyrical Themes

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The lyrics on "Believe" are a standout feature, showcasing the band’s knack for storytelling. Each song delves into themes of love, heartache, and the complexities of life, often with a humorous or tongue-in-cheek twist. The storytelling aspect is reminiscent of classic country and blues traditions, where narratives are woven into the fabric of the music.

Songs like the title track "Believe" reflect a sense of yearning and introspection, while others delve into the absurdities of everyday life. The lyrics resonate with listeners, drawing them into the vivid imagery and relatable emotions that the band captures.

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[5]

Believe was favourably reviewed by Zeth Lundy of PopMatters, who concluded, "The next time you take the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack from the stereo, pining for some oomph to your Americana, reach for Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers. “Colonel” J.D. Wilkes calls himself a jumpin’ jimdaddy, and before long, you will too."[6] Ben Donnelly of Dusted magazine reviewed the album and commented that "Translating this band's strengths to record will probably always be a challenge. ... Still, they make the most of the challenge."[7]

Track listing

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All songs written by J. D. Wilkes except where noted

  1. "Agony Wagon" – 2:57
  2. "Creek Cats" – 3:21
  3. "Where's the Devil... When You Need Him?" – 2:59
  4. "Piss and Vinegar" – 2:46
  5. "County of Graves" – 3:45
  6. "All my Life to Kill" – 3:03
  7. "Cussin' in Tongues" – 2:45
  8. "Help Me" – 3:47 (Sonny Boy Williamson II)
  9. "Bible Cyst" – 2:55
  10. "The Pony to Bet on" – 3:28
  11. "Fistwhistle Boogie" – 2:22
  12. "Misery Train" – 1:01

Personnel

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Additional personnel include: Jordan Richter, Nick Kane (guitar), Fats Kaplan (banjo, fiddle, accordion), Donnie Herron (fiddle), Jim Hoke (clarinet, saxophone).

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Legendary Shack Shakers - Believe". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Legendary Shack Shakers - Swampblood". PopMatters. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  3. ^ Deming, Mark. "Believe Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  4. ^ Lundy, Zeth (October 13, 2004). "TH' LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS: BELIEVE". PopMatters. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  5. ^ Deming, Mark. "Review: Believe". AllMusic. Retrieved April 14, 2010.
  6. ^ "Review". Popmatters.com. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  7. ^ "Review at Dusted". Retrieved May 16, 2021.
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