Sometimes the music we listen to, and write about, here on Twangville is a little light on the twang.  That would not be the case with the debut album from Maine duo North Of Nashville.  From the opening chord of the opening song, The Lady And the Outlaw, this is the music that propelled country to the #1 spot on the charts and the first million-selling country album when Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser released Wanted: The Outlaws in 1976.  Back then, country music with a raw edge and some rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities was new.  That’s not true anymore, but duo members Jay Basiner and Andrew Martelle (with guest Cartwright Thompson on pedal steel) do a great job of paying homage to that idea, whether it was their direct intention or not.
 I liked the uptempo numbers on this disc a little more than some of the ballads.  The Best Of What’s Around is all about living in the moment, “when I saw you weren’t around, I ordered 3 more rounds.”  Dreams Come True (For Awhile) is escapist dance music (2-step, not any of those fancy or modern things).  Same with The Working Man.  For those folks more into wallowing in the pedal steel and fiddle, I recommend Remember These Days and Isabella.
If you’re allergic to beer drinkin’, shit kickin’ music, best take a Claritin before you hit play on North Of Nashville.  If not, give this album a spin and listen to the kind of music that had a huge impact on how country, and Americana, sounds today.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.