The John Henry's - Sweet as the Grain

System Records

October 3, 2008, 02:17 PM

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The reason I decided to pick The John Henry's CD out of the blue was actually quite unusual:

I did choose them as their name reminded me of a very famous studio in London where Coldplay and Travis used to rehearse. I was shocked to say the least to hear that the John Henry's were nowhere near to the style that inspired me into picking them up. The John Henry's are quintessential country in a way I didn't even know existed. Think Banjos, Mandolins, Harmonicas and so on. Think old Far West and Cowboys and you're just about there.

From the 12 tracks of "Sweet As Grain" you can tell they have a very clear picture of what they want to represent, and they do stick to their guns. As I don't know many people that go crazy for Country I am not really sure how many listeners they might actually interest. The way they are focused on one, and just one sound is both their strength and weakness in my opinion.

I can see a music consultant for a western film or the next Elizabethtown nearly wetting himself because an album such as "Sweet as the grain" would help his work so much; here you have a selection of 12 pure country songs, enjoy and pick your favorite choice. Other than that scenario I can't see a big number of followers coming for The John Henry's, at least here in the UK.

The only thing I'm left to wonder is the reason for such a style choice from these 5 guys: if it's because it's what they actually love to do what they do, kudos for that and for the courage. Commercially speaking I'd also see the point in covering an area of music not so wildly popular and with not so many representatives, because it sounds like a good way to then easily stand out.

But no one likes playing it this safe, or do they?

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