John Butler Trio - Grand National

Label : Jarrah Records 

So here we are, Spring of 2007 and anxiously anticipating John Butler Trio's new album, Grand National. It's official release is March 27th, I believe, with the pre-order shipping out on the 23rd. Oh, yes, I ordered mine. Well, on a personal note, I'm flippin' excited. Although the album contains many songs I've had the privilege to hear either live or through the taped shows at archive.org, these will be studio versions, with the addition of several new tracks. There was some confusion over the album's title, as Grand National is also the name of a horserace. John Butler told his fans in a 'blog' post: "It means one big nation. One world, one people. Seems fitting for these polarised times. … And then sharing our music with this one world in a grand way. We're going Grand National baby!" The album cover itself is designed by John Butler, and has a circus-like feel to it. John Butler Trio is also scheduled to play at Bonnaroo this year, and when I am updated on the Bonnaroo line-up and ticket costs, I will post about it.

The unofficial tracklist:

• Better Than (heard live)
• Daniella (heard through archive.org)
• Funky Tonight (mp3, seen live)
• Caroline (new)
• Good Excuse (performed at the Make Poverty History Concert)
• Used To Get High (new)
• Gov't Did Nothing (heard through archive.org)
• Groovin' Slowly (new, but possibly played live)
• Devil Running (heard through archive.org)
• Losing You (heard through archive.org)
• Recognise Me (new to me!)
• Nowhere Man (released on the Funky Tonight EP)
• Gonna Take It (new to me, also)

'Good As Gone' was released on the Funky Tonight EP as well, and I personally am hoping that will be on Grand National, also. Well, folks, if you're not excited, you should be. Although we try to remain impartial with our reviews here at LovetheMusic, we will be spotlighting favorite artists from time to time, as I do with JBT and as Damon does with Saves the Day and others. More reviews coming. I promised reviews on the 2006 indie favorite, Beirut, and I will have that soon.

Thanks for reading,

Love yourself, Jen

Related links:

Buy Grand National

John Butler Trio Official Website

John Butler Trio Store (US)

John Butler Trio Store (Australia)

John Butler Trio on MySpace