The Cadillac Three
Bury Me In My Boots
(Big Machine Label Group)
The Cadillac Three are a three-piece from Nashville, Tennessee who have been making music and touring the world since their formation in 2011. Their new album ‘Bury Me In My Boots’, released on Big Machine Label Group hears them keep their signature Southern Rock sound but the band enhance it with their remarkable songwriting.
The opening title track is incredibly emotional as they sing ‘Bury me in my boots and don’t forget the whiskey’ but in true TC3 style they have added some tongue-in-cheek humour to a song which is essentially about death. Interestingly, the inspiration came from Jaren Johnston’s fear of dying young which is something I think everyone can relate to at some point in their life. I know it is something that I’m concerned about and I’m 22. It really struck a personal chord with me.
Johnston’s electric guitar has great tone on ‘Slide’ as drummer Neil Mason creates a sound that is similar to a train rolling down the track that provides a melodic chug.
‘Drunk Like You’ contains one of the best opening lines I’ve ever heard “Sittin’ at the bar with a shot and a cold beer, neither one’s doing the job.” After hearing that, your mind immediately paints a picture of someone sitting in a quiet bar trying to either drink to get a buzz or drink to forget. Whatever the reason, it creates a fantastic story that you want to hear till the end.
‘Graffiti’ reminds me of going to music venues that have how do you say, ‘questionable bathrooms’ that are covered in marker pen and graffiti with phrases such as ‘XXXXX was here!’ and people’s phone numbers that their friends have put up for a laugh. Kelby Ray really excels on acoustic guitar on this number.
‘Buzzin’ is written about a female who has the ability to create the same feeling that one gets when they get tipsy after knocking a few back’. Jaren’s vocals are great as he slightly holds the note when he sings the chorus and the sound of pedal steel creates a great atmosphere. A highlight on this album.
‘Party Like You’ is the definition of a feel-good tune just like Eric Pasley’s Friday Night’ as the guitar riffs roll off with such precision. ‘Ship Faced’ is a clever play on words as we are told about an adventure involving beer, tequila and a boat. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to ruin the song but it definitely puts a smile on your face.
‘The South’ brings TC3 together with their contempories Florida Georgia Line to create a sure country music radio hit as both bands are well respected in the genre and fans of both acts will want to get their hands on the track to maintain their collections. If they haven’t already, this would be a great live performance at The Country Music Awards (CMAs).
‘Peace Love and Dixie’ was a track I first heard at Ramblin Man Fair in Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent United Kingdom when TC3 played the main stage as guests to their friends Black Stone Cherry (BSC) and the crowd absolutely loved it. The catchy chorus had the entire festival singing.
Closing track ‘Runnin’ Red Lights’ is about going home to get to a loved one late at night before they go to sleep. It really highlights how strong their vocals are especially on the slower songs like this one.
In conclusion, The Cadillac Three have built up a successful career through the years because of three key components; firstly, the quality of songwriting on this record for me, is Ivor Novello standard and people really relate to the songs, secondly, they have honed their skills as musicians through extensive touring and their hard work has really paid off and finally, although I’ve never met The Cadillac Three they seem like really friendly, genuine guys and create a real friendliness and warmth when they are onstage.
‘Bury Me In My Boots’ is one of my favourtite albums of 2016 and I can’t wait to see them live when they tour the UK and Europe with special guests and JLTT friends Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown in November 2016. So grab a six-pack, sit back and play this album LOUD.
Glenn Sargeant
The Cadillac Three’s new studio album ‘ Bury Me In My Boots’ is released on Friday 5th August 2016 on Big Machine Label Group. To buy tickets to their ‘Don’t Forget The Whiskey Tour’ and for more information visit their official website here: http://bit.ly/2aFsZ6D
I would like to thank the following people for help with this review:
Kieran White at KW Media
Chris Dean at Wilful Publicity
Jimmy Chapin at Big Machine Label Group
Jenny Entwhistle at Chuff Media
