Classic guitar rock...with organs...

Artist: The Greenhornes

Album: Sewed Soles

Label:Prize Brigade/V2 Records

Tracks: 20

Length: 64:28

Reviewed by: Cal Callison

The latest protégé of Jack White is a little band called the Greenhornes.  They’ve been around for a few years but have recently released Sewed Soles, a collection and overview of some of the band’s earlier work.  The album provides a good intro to the band for new listeners and is jam packed with 20 tracks. 

As is the case with many bands of recent days, the Greenhornes are a throwback to an earlier sound.  Their sound brings to mind the classic rock sounds of the Who, the Doors, and the Kinks while also tipping its hat to the newer sounds of the Strokes, Jet, and the Hives. 

This album is all about guitar work.  The playing is handled well and the riffs are catchy.  I feel like this band would have been outrageously popular in the late 60’s or 70’s.  The recording and production qualities of the album harkens back to those pioneering days in electric rock.  It’s obvious that Jack White has had a hand in this album.  The sound is more full band than the White Stripes but still in the same neighborhood.

Vocally, the band has a very genre appropriate approach.  There is no new vocal approach here, just enough good old-fashioned rock soul to make Mick Jagger proud.  Yeah, I said that.  About three songs into the record the band starts to really remind me of the Stones.  Not a bad comparison when you think of the longevity and quality that is usually found around Mick and the geezers. 

If you like that older style of rock and are into the throwback classic guitar rock with a touch of organ then you had better check out the Greenhornes.  You won’t be sorry.