Deer Tick was absolutely one of my favorite bands last year and their debut album, ‘War Elephant’, was a bully on my iPod. Although Deer Tick’s dirty, folk, americana-ish sound got me slapping my knee and tapping my heals, it was John McCauley’s ragged voice that had me at hello.
I am partially ashamed to admit this but, I hadn’t listened to Deer Tick’s latest album ‘Born on Flag Day’ in its full glory until last night…even though I claim to adore their music. Well, after spending a brief moment with the album I find myself saddened because I’m not as enthralled as I wanted to be. Don’t get me wrong, there are some stunning songs on this 10 track album (11 with the hidden, Goodnight Irene), like the wallowing ballad “Smith Hill” and the lonesome “Song About A Man.” But overall, ‘Born On Flag Day’ comes off as a little lack luster and doesn’t possess the special magic that Deer Tick is more than capable of conjuring. Maybe I just need to take a few more listens with a bottle of Maker’s Mark in my hand, because I shant give up on you D. Tick…I will take these old shoes to get to you.
Take A Listen: Easy by Deer Tick
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