the ralph jones band

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Alternative

Status:

Most recent release, Just for the Scenery (2006)

See also:

CD Baby's Ralph Jones Band page

Comparisons:

Elliott Smith, Guided by Voices

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

They are a talented and versatile group. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Recommended first album:

drowning in kentucky is their debut

Recordings:

• drowning in kentucky (2003)
• Just for the Scenery (2006)

drowning in kentucky

Release info:

2003—Statebird Records—sbr1865-002

Availability:

See Statebird Records site for availability

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Nathan Newbury
Jason Hibbitts
Joe Burns

Comments:

It's a very nice record. The singer sings in a hushed way that reminds me of Elliott Smith. The album is short, but has real substance to it. "Leaving" is a lovely song. The title track is haunting and noisy. Titles like "I am a hunter and a scientist" and "Lead me like Livestock" reveal oddly delivered but potent songs. The band doesn't seem to be striving for weirdness, it just kind of seeks them out. The country-tinged murder ballad "Potato Shine" is quite brilliant.
     A beguiling debut. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Thanks to Anna Maria Sjärnell for work on this entry.