Grand National - John Butler Trio

Well, it's finally here.

I mean that in two ways:

• The album has finally been released.
• The album finally made its way to me, after 7 long days.

Again, John Butler Trio does not disappoint. When John Butler first started making music, he did it busking in Fremantle. Searching for Heritage was recorded onto a tape, and sold independently, by him, with a raw sound. Now he is the lead of a very talented trio, nationally reknowned in Australia and working their way up in the U.S.

Some argue this album is over-produced, but truly, I've always know the progression of an artist ends when they stop trying to make themselves better at their craft, and as I have been a follower of John Butler Trio's music for a few years now, I can definitely say there has been a progression, and a beautiful one at that.

Grand National is an album with 13 tracks, 6 of which I had the privilege to hear live, either at a show or through the taper's archives at Archive.org.

Right now I'm listening to "Caroline", a song reminiscent of "What You Want" from Sunrise Over Sea; both tracks have string arrangements and a powerful, moving message. Now I'm hearing fun(ky) beats in "Good Excuse". 

This is why I think people love and appreciate John Butler Trio. They never disappoint, they constantly change it up, and every song gives you a different message, fusion of genres of music, and a base appreciation of making music and giving it to people for love and enjoyment. A fusion of reggae, rock, hip-hop, organ effects and a harmonica elsewhere.

Its just so much fun! Groovin' Slowly is flippin' cute, and a new territory for John Butler, as his songs before this have never been this tender and sincerely lovey-dovey. It also seems like the Trio has channeled the love of Bob Marley and the Wailers, too. Caroline is exquisitely sad, and I want to tell John I'm sorry about Caroline. Better Than is a personal favorite, a song that NEVER fails to remind me of what is important, what I have, and what I have ahead. Gov Did Nothin' reminds me of Hurricane Katrina, and how terrifyingly close my family was to being part of that tragedy. Funky Tonight is extremely fun, and Fire In the Sky is a lovely reminder of my first JBT show. I've loved Nowhere Man since I heard it on the Funky Tonight EP, and now there is an introduction of backing vocals by Butler's wife, Danielle. A favorite sing-a-long. Devil Running is simply excellent, started live and nurtured into a studio version that totally rocks out.  And Gonna Take It is an incredible, cheerful, goodbye for the album, with a reminder to play again.

Instruments, vocals, production–all excellent. I expected nothing less, and I am just thrilled to have new material to play over and over from JBT. If you haven't listened yet, you're really missing out. My favorite band is worth listening to, right? 

Related Links 

Official John Butler Trio Website

John Butler Trio on MySpace

Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS ALBUM!

Related Audio

Devil Running

[audio:DevilRunning.mp3]

Used To Get High

[audio:UsedToGetHigh.mp3]