Robbie Fulks Country Love Songs

Robbie's debut CD was the surprise hit of '96, and served notice that a) Country Music did NOT have to suck b) that he was a top-notch songwriter and performer and c) things in the underground country scene were never going to be the same. Truly the bar had been raised.

Let's let Robbie describe it:
"13 original country songs with an early 50's production aesthetic (hot vocals, robust bass, live instrumental tracks) and arrangement, reviving certain types of songs long abandoned by mainstream country music. Likewise in retro spirit, these songs will frequently violate current country songwriting trends which hold as taboo themes of negativism, forceful expression, and points of view uncongenial to the prevailing ideology of fatuous feelgoodism; they will instead reflect a modern sensibility in their emotional graphicness, vigorous iconoclasm, and sense of humor. In composition and presentation the music will honestly reflect the heart and personality of its author/singer, and in its fundamental sincerity will stand resolutely against the poisonous tides of camp."

SO THERE!! Co-produced by Steve Albini, and features appearances by the Skeletons, and Tom Brumley (of the Buckaroos), and drop-dead, now classic cool honky tonk gems like "Every Kinda Music But Country," "The Buck Starts Here," and the sing-a-long fave "She Took A Lot Of Pills (And Died)."

"With wit, chops, and attitude to spare, it's one of the most forward-looking evocations of the early '60s Bakersfield sound you're likely to hear... Indeed, anybody who makes a fiddle-and-steel record with punk ideologue Steve Albini must have at least one eye on the future." —Nashville Scene

"This time next year you might still find yourself saying that Country Love Songs was the best goddamn CD you got in '96." —Chicago New City