Jaime Hanna and Jonathan McEuen are the offspring of two founding members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and, in a neat twist of fate that's stranger than fiction, they're also first cousins, since their fathers married twin sisters. They would be noteworthy for their pedigree and their back... [+] Expand

Jaime Hanna and Jonathan McEuen are the offspring of two founding members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and, in a neat twist of fate that's stranger than fiction, they're also first cousins, since their fathers married twin sisters. They would be noteworthy for their pedigree and their back story, which is at least worth a few column inches, yet that story also throws up some red flags, suggesting that they may only be of interest because of their family tree. Thankfully, their debut, Hanna-McEuen, is noteworthy for another reason: it's a hell of a record, one of the best debuts of 2005. It's one of the few contemporary country records that fully integrates the clever classicism of '80s insurgent country (the opening "Fool Around" is a dead ringer for prime Dwight Yoakam) into a bright, accessible mainstream sound. And make no mistake about it, Hanna-McEuen are not an alt-country or Americana act: they may be inspired by the same artists and sounds, from classic country through Gram Parsons and Bruce Springsteen, but this isn't as somber and earnest as much alternative country of the late '90s and early 2000s. Hanna-McEuen have an infectious, friendly vibe that's as warm and appealing as their strong, melodic songs (all 12 tunes are originals), which are hooky enough to be memorable upon the first listen and sturdy enough to get better with each subsequent spin. While they may recall their influences throughout their eponymous debut, there's a freshness to the duo's music that keeps the album from sounding stale or overly reverential. Instead, Hanna-McEuen sound like they're true heirs to a classic American country-rock tradition, making familiar music sound new and vital again. Certainly, it's in their blood, but the wonderful thing about this debut is that it's good enough to make you forget their back story and just enjoy what this tremendously talented duo has to offer. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

• songs
• similar
• videos
• eyeviews
• reviews
• download directory