KMFDM Extra, Vol. 1 CD

Bands are not exactly a dime a dozen in country music, at least when success & longevity are concerned. In a genre where vocalists & made-to-order songs rule the game, it seemed the days of Alabama (who had some pop success, but never lost sight of their roots even while collaborating with Lionel Richie & 'NSYNC), Southern Pacific & Confederate Railroad have gone the way of the dinosaur. Even Rascal Flatts have gotten in touch with their inner pop star & kicking up their heels seems the furthest from their mind.

With any luck, Douglass Street ought to bring those days back & add their name to the all-too-short list of successful country bands who can write their own music, thank you very much!Most bands usually accent the "country" in the subgenre of "country-rock," but it is clear Douglas Street does the opposite & WATCH IT COWBOY pays off in spades for that. Even the ballads have a kick to them while still providing ample opportunities for crying in your beer. The opening "Way Before You Did" exemplifies this approach, and later entries like "What Do I Do" & "Working On Some Lonely" maintain that clear-eyed method of tugging on the listener's heartstrings without yanking them.

Lead singer Doug Gusching's voice has the air of "love sucks, but life goes on": probably not the most commercial attitude to write about, but it speaks the truth nonetheless. "Pour Me To Sleep" is enough to have Kenny Chesney rethink his status as country's favorite beach bum with its gentle tropical undertones, and also stays realistic about the fleeting nature of love.

Back to kicking up those heels, WATCH IT COWBOY has plenty of those moments for those who have ten-gallon hats tucked away somewhere. It does not get anymore redneck than "Let's Get It On" with fighting words delivered at a breakneck speed that would make Michael Stipe proud (think "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" with a mullet). "Where You Goin" has "line-dance" written all over it, along with "Girls Night Out", which can definitely make it onto the playlist of any neighboorhood bar band, although guys may want to pray for a happier ending when it comes to chatting up that special lady.