Contrary to its title, Micky and the Motorcars' new release, "Careless," is quite the opposite.
Like their brethren band, Reckless Kelly, they are anything but careless or reckless. It's that antithesis that is part of their appeal. The Motorcars have been honing their craft in Austin, Texa for the past few years, and the experience shows on this honey of a CD.
From its first licks in the title song by guitarist Joseph Deeb, the listener is firmly and familiarly in Austin music territory. The category is represented well by a long line of amazing singer songwriters who adhere to a loosely defined alternative country-rock genre. These artists range from Joe Ely, Steve Earle, Billy Joe Shaver, Robert Earle Keen to Blue Rodeo, Whiskeytown, Wilco, Subdudes and, of course, Reckless Kelly.
Produced by Cody Braun and Reckless guitarist David Abeyta, "Careless" boasts 10 new original tunes and two covers. Five of the songs are penned by Micky Braun and four by Deeb. There's a Kip Attaway tune called "Rocksprings to Cheyenne," a wonderful version of Pinto Bennett's "Carolina Morning," and one beautifully penned song, "Desperation," by Willy and Micky Braun.
Here's the thing: the CD is burning a hole in my car stereo. It's perfect driving music. It rocks, moves and sticks in my head the way the Motorcars had yet to do, but Reckless has long done. The older band's influence is felt in the excellent songwriting as well as a fuller, lusher sound. While not overtly sophisticated the album feels complete, despite two less-than-stellar songs, "Guts" and "Pretty." Deeb brings into play a more rocking sensibility, while Micky's songs have a nice western country-tinged point of view.
There's a fair amount of heartbreak on this album, but MMC (as they are known to their fans) benefit from a sense of driving rock. In fact it is the steel guitar work of Lloyd Maines, (father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines) that helps it all pull together and get ahead.
On "Long and Lonely Highway," Micky croons: "And not on this long and lonely highway/that I travel every night from Jackpot to Ely/is like being in my hardest fight."
This is but one regional mention out of several on "Careless," and it's the kind of song begging to be a single. Reminiscent of Reckless' "Snowfall," it's got that yearning sound for something lost.
The songs add to the Motorcars' repertoire and bring them pretty close to equal with Reckless. Of course, they've always been a fun band, even when they were just pip-squeaks playing street parties in Challis and Ketchum. They, like Reckless, may soon outgrow the bar stages and need bigger venues to hold both their driving talents and burgeoning fan base.
But for now, rodeo grounds and street dances will do us just fine, thank you very much.
Brauns in Idaho, Summer 2006
Reckless Kelly:
June 18 Reckless Kelly Wild West Music Fest, Hailey
Aug. 11 & 12 Braun Brothers Reunion, Challis
Micky and the Motorcars:
June 16 Tom Grainey's, Boise
June 17 Mackay Rodeo Grounds with Muzzie Braun, Mackay
June 18 Reckless Kelly Wild West Music Fest, Hailey
June 21 Rudy's (Acoustic Micky & Muzzie Braun, Twin Falls
June 23 Hog Smoke & Café, Idaho Falls
June 24 Portneuf Greenway Riverfest, Pocatello
June 25 Kasino Club, Stanley
June 30, Tom Grainey's, Boise
June 29 Whiskey Jacques, Ketchum
TBD The Mint, Hailey
Aug. 10 Street Dance - Upper Main Street, 8:30 p.m, Challis
Aug. 11 & 12 Braun Brothers Reunion, Challis
Muzzie Braun
Wednesdays Redfish Lodge, Stanley
June 18 Reckless Kelly Wild West Music Fest, Hailey
June 22 Idaho Botanical Garden with Billy Braun, Boise
June 24 Portneuf Greenway Riverfest, Pocatello
July 26 Back Alley Party at Wicked Spud with Public Radio, Hailey
July 1 The Mint, opening for Bruce Willis, Hailey
Thursdays Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch BBQ night, Stanley
July 4 Fourth of July Show, Clayton
Aug. 1 Minidoka County Fair, Minidoka
Information: www.muzziebraun.com.
Micky and the Motorcars' new release, "Careless,"
