Twangville

Jun 28, 2011

Dan Hubbard and the Humadors – The Love Show

by in Reviews, Rock, Roots, Up & Comers

It wasn’t that long ago when someone asked me “Why doesn’t anyone make Rock n’ Roll” anymore?” Like many folks, he quit looking for new music after he graduated college, and was now trying to search the radio for new Rock n’ Roll. If he asked that today, I would give him a copy of Dan Hubbard and the Humadors new release, The Love Show, and end his search. This Central Illinois based band, serves up Rock with hooks that latch on from the opener “Don’t Take Me Now” and never let go.

Dan Hubbard gets it, Rock and Roll is best when it is uncomplicated. There are no gimmicks or pretenses found on The Love Show, just really great melodies. These are the songs that make you want to crank the volume and go for a drive. Just don’t set the iPod on repeat or you may never come back.

As a songwriter, Hubbard follows a similar uncomplicated formula. Guess what indie rockers! You don’t have to be an art school student on anti-depressants to write lyrics. Hubbard has a troubadour’s gift, creating songs that balance life’s tough times with hope and healing. On “This is Your Life” Hubbard sings, “Life isn’t fair and that’s Ok. It’s crazy how much things can change before you even realize. This is your life. Yeah, there’s some things you can’t control. Yeah, sometimes you have to let go. Yeah, everything is gonna be fine. We’re doin’ alright baby.” What is wrong with plain spoken wisdom?

About the author:  Chip and his family live in Charlotte, NC. You can also find him at http://amberwavesoftwang.blogspot.com/ Roll Tide!

  • Aodavis

    The Love Show is an incredible album.  It is so refreshing and clear.  You don’t have to figure anything out.  It just feels right.  Woody Guthrie once said that he wouldn’t write a song that made people feel like they weren’t good for anything.  This album captures Woody’s spirit in such a way that you don’t get tired of listening to it. This is what music used to be.  It’s like the first time I listened to Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and thought to myself, “This is what Elvis listened to growing up…”  These guys capture that kind of moment in time.  This record is wonderful today, it will be wonderful in 100 years, and if it had been released in 1958 people would have loved it then too.  Timeless….

  • TG

    Chip -  you hit this spot on !  Dan has been a wonderful songwriter for years as evident by his previous records, however the Love Show brought together the melodies and writing to produce the album that can’t be put down… if this were vinyl I would have already worn out the stylus and the record !  The Dan Hubbard playlist on my iTunes is the first choice for some great Rock n Roll and they can’t be beat for a live show !!  peace


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