"Took a trip to California, to see where those old days had gone and the girl that went with them. Curiosity, thats all. I swear, I swear."

If anyone would have told me 10 years ago that I would be an avid listener of anything that sounded like or even influenced by country music, I probably would have punched them in the ear, called them a filthy liar, and would have followed all that by saying  something derogatory about their mother.  

And then, about 5 years ago, at the beginning of my first senior year of college, I randomly picked up a Cracker album - Forever (2001) - as I had heard a little of them as an alternative band, and was desperate for some new music. I should have known, I mean the band's name is Cracker after all, and the album cover had a picture of the band with two mid-aged ladies in curlers and bathrobes standing in front of a trailer:

At that point in my musical life, what was I thinking?  Was I absolutely delusional given my previous preference to even pseudo-country music?  I mean, what the hell did I think this band was going to sound like with an album cover like that?

I listened to the album off and on throughout the year, and the more I listened the more I was impressed with the music, and the more I realized that I may have been a little close-minded in my musical preferences.  But I was still skeptical that this had anything to do with country music, as it had great keyboard parts, and songs that were of a very intensely depressing variety and some songs were pretty heavy, and I could comfortably classify it as alternative with an americana influence.  I was blissfully ignorant.

And at some point that first Cracker album lead to buying another - Gentleman's Blues (1998) - and that lead to purchasing Uncle Tupelo's Anodyne (1993).  That in turn lead to checking out Camper Van Beethoven's Key Lime Pie (1989).  Then things got a little fuzzy after that, and I think I may have blacked out for a portion of my life.

I'm not ashamed.  I can look back on my life, and say that I was prejudiced against country music because all I heard was the horrible popular country, which really is just crappy pop music.  And what self respecting music lover would like that?

So, now, in the present day.  I can't get enough alternative country.  And it fills me to the brim with joy that Cracker is still making great albums.  I listened to their most recent release - Greenland (2006) -  while driving this past summer.  In fact, I've made it a point that whenever I take road trips, no matter how short or long, to listen to at least one Cracker album along the way.  And lately Greenland has been the Cracker album of choice (they're all excellent though).

There has always been something to me about the lyrical style used in the music of Cracker.  Its really more of a story telling style than anything else, and is very reminiscent of Lou Reed's lyrical style.  There is something about the lyrics and the tone of the music in alternative country songs - especially in Cracker songs - that blends so well, and settles just right for some reason.  Its hard to explain, but I can always identify with something in the songs and lyrics of Cracker, sometimes its even just the tone and texture of the song, not necessarily the words in the song.  Somehow Cracker (and alternative country music in general) just cuts deep to my soul - or whatever the atheist equivalent of a soul is - and it sticks with me.

And my final note on Cracker:  it amazes me how diverse their music is, how much it branches out from just being an underground alt-rock version of country, how it truly is influenced by more than just country and alternative rock music.  In my opinion (after this is my blog for my musical opinions) Cracker has come up with some the best and most creative songs from different musical genres than have been written by artists of those genres.  One of the best reggae songs I've ever heard - Better Times are Coming Our Way - is from the recent Cracker album, Greenland.  Also, one of the best best hip-hop/pop-rock songs I've heard - What You're Missing - is from their previous studio album, Forever.  And there is so much more that could talk about here about the diverse nature of the band, but I'll let you find out for yourselves.

I don't really have a final point to make here.  Just felt like talking about Cracker I guess.  It happens.  Enjoy.