Hangin’ Around
The HonkyTonk Wranglers
Released July 2024 on Swelltune Records
Reviewed by Tom Doel August 2024
I first noticed this band from the videos they had posted on various social media sites. The videos they posted of their live performances made me sit up and take notice as they have a great sound and I for one cannot wait to see them live. So, you ask who are the Honkytonk Wranglers? Well, formed in 2021 they are most definitely a Country band who cover music from the 40’s to the mid 60’s that’s quite a wide variable but they do seem do it with ease at least it looks that way. The band is based in Central Kentucky it’s clear they are steeped in old timey music performing covers from country legends and some of their own compositions that keep the roots of country music alive in their local music scene. I am looking forward to seeing them in Europe soon.
Musicians on the album are:
Joshua McMillen - Acoustic guitar, Lead vocal.
• Adam "Scooter" Routt - Electric guitar.
• Spencer Skala - Snare drum.
• Sethro Bodine - Doghouse bass.
Album Review
TRACK LISTING
Hangin' Around – The first track on the album is a cover of the 1955 Bobby Helms release Hangin Around. It’s a really good number and this cover is as good as the original the band keeps it true to the Bobby Helms version but minus the fiddle, but it isn’t missed on the Wranglers version. It’s a great start.
• Crying in the Deep Blue Sea – First recorded in the early 50’s by Hank Thompson the Wranglers have done a great job on this Hank number both Steel and Lead guitar sound awesome in the instrumental breaks.
• Don't Believe – Released in 1955 on the Sun Label by Slim Rhodes. If you’re a fan of Slim, then you will love this cover. Again, the Wranglers keep it true to the original. Joshua does a great job on the vocals.
• Sunday Down in Tennessee – This number has been released in 1949 by Red Foley the good thing about this cover from the Wranglers is it could have also been recorded in 1949 it has a great original sound.
• Better Safe Than Sober – I love this it’s an original number co written by Joshua and Wyatt Miller it’s a real Hony Tonk number with the classic Country theme of broken hearts and drinking what’s not to love.
• It Still Takes Two of Us – Another number written by the band I love it. It has a Buck Owen’s sound to me especially the vocals.
• Under the Influence of Love - One of my favourite numbers by Buck Owens so I was very interested in listening to this version and I wasn’t disappointed I really like the cover it’s true to the original but with the bands own influence on it. Awesome
• Much Too Young to Die – It takes a brave man to cover a Ray Price number in my opinion his vocal style is second to none. But Joshua’s vocal style suit this track very well.
• Pick Me Up On Your Way Down – A great Country classic and a song everyone should know written by Harlen Howard and covered many of the big names of Country throughout the years. This is as good a version as any of those to be honest.
• What an Unlikely Spot – Another from the writing combo of Mcmillen and Miller in the country genre featuring the Steel guitar and great vocals what’s not to love.
• There's Not Any Like You Left – This has the late 50’s early 60’s sound of the Faron Young recording in fact it’s as good as the original the vocal harmonies are great, and the Steel guitar is spot on.
• On This Mountain Top – I had a listen to the Roger Miller track just before listening to this track on the album my initial thoughts have, I started the Roger Miller track again …. It’s that good.
• Money To Burn – Anyone playing Country properly must play a George Jones song it’s the law. The Wranglers keep it real to the original but with their own influence.
• The Late and Great Me – Recorded back in the day by Joe Poovey who many of you may know from his Rockabilly songs on the Dixie label but this is a pure Country song and finishes the album as strongly as it started.
Engineer - Jeremy Bernstein • Assistant Engineer - Brandon Clark • Mastered by Shorty Poole. Album Artwork by Hollywoody Guthrie
I really like this album the choice of tracks are great and the band plays them very well it’s not easy playing Country music like this it takes good musicians, guys who love what they do you can hear it in the rhythm section the Bass and snare and acoustic guitar work well together leaving the lead instruments room to do what they do that takes practice and knowledge. The two guitars lead, and steel also must have an understanding and again this really shines through on every track on this album. Of course, I shouldn’t forget the vocal harmonies between Joshua and Clayton again this is top level stuff again not easy playing an instrument and singing harmonies.
If you love Country, Honky Tonk and Hillbilly music from the played as it should be with that traditional sound then you should buy this album because even though this is a band playing and recording now, they have a true Country sound both live and, on the record, and that is something worth spending money on. I for one am looking forward to seeing them live on stage and having a beer with them afterwards.
https://youtu.be/vuu5kmIX9_4?si=cr-JRd5DzgeYF5CZ – Crying in the Deep Blue Sea.
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