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O.C.M.S.
Nettwerk America (EMI) 07243 59823522
To say that a certain six million-selling soundtrack album of some three years standing has opened the door for such ongoing research and development as displayed by OCMS would be stating the obvious; but in their case they're hardly novices, starting off a while back, busking and now ending up in Nashville in company of producer David Rawlings on a major label deal. With origins in an Appalachian string band ethic, these young upstarts from four different States met up in New York, roamed around in a beat-up bus and eventually came to the attention of Doc Watson no less, whilst playing outside a pharmacy in Boone, North Carolina. Rags to riches, eh? - you'd be right. Merlefest, the Grand Ole Opry, opening for Dolly Parton and Del McCoury led to this debut album. Not bad for an organic music band adhering to a pre-War era, good-time/jug band sound that will hit the spot for those seeking something redolent of the Lovin' Spoonful crossed with a Stray Cats sensibility.
However there are no dreary 'Americana-by-numbers' clichús here. Sure, you'll find plenty of C.C. Rider and Tear It Down but these thrusters are on a successful mission to recapture and tweak their traditional country and blues influences while adding some redemptive, unflinching material of their own, as Critter Fuqua's Vietnam song Big Time In The Jungle demonstrates. With fiddle, upright bass, guitjo (oh, yes!) and raw spirit in abundance, the acoustic provenance is low-key but by no means lo-fi. Rambunctious songs about shared trials and troubles, hard booze and equally hard women have a sparky, boundless energy and 'relentlessly buoyant' would not be an overstatement. This recording will certainly make your life a better place.
Clive Pownceby - April 2004
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 Just to hear this music is so adicting, but to see these talented "Magicians" live is an awesome treat! If they were in my area every week you would know where to find me. I love Bill Monroe and all music of nearly any kind, but this is music you just cannot get uot of your head. I have freinds I have tried to convert to bluegrass for many years with no sucess until O.C.M.S. came along. Be careful if you buy this C.D. You will not be able to listen to any thing else for, well I don't how long, it's only been out since the first of 2004. I'll let you know how long.
Tim Lingerfelt, Davidson, N.C
I saw this group at the Sheffield University in November'04 which was my intro' to Bluegrass/Cajun music.I have never seen five musicians work so hard with such natural talent. Can't get enough of them!
Bill Darrington, SHEFFIELD U.K.
OCMS,and the album of the same name are simply brilliant,cannot wait for their new album to be released.
david massingberd, stockton-on-tees
I am an elderly (old) man, but have just been introduced to OCMS. Love it - BUT - wish I could hear all the words, because they sound as if they are saying something significant and I can't make it all out. Please re-mix with voices a little 'to the front'.
Reg Clifford, U.K.
I first heard of OCMS from my son, who first saw them at Bonnaroo and fell in love with them. He said "You've just got to hear this music". You know, he's right, it's addictive. I saw them in Dickson Tennessee at the Americana Folk Fest last week and had the opportunity to meet Ketch, who is an extremely talented musician as well as a great guy. These young men have a great future ahead.
Kathy Melton, Parsons, Tennessee
Ocms is the best cd i have ever bought i plan on soon getting 'Eutaw". I hear it's just as good and addictive. I would also love to see one of their shows.
Scotty Ennis, Eastern Shore of Maryland
great band, lots of energy. make sure to check out "greetings from wawa" and "eutaw".
wes bunch, johnson city, tennessee | | | | | | |  |
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Folk & Acoustic
