PRINTSound Advice: Truckstop Souvenir
Leave Nothing Behind
Truckstop Souvenir
September 13, 2007 | 12:01 a.m. CST
It’s almost a disservice to label Truckstop Souvenir as a country band, considering the genre’s present state. Instead of iconic legends, such as Willie Nelson, who ruled earlier years, country’s current chart toppers are actually little more than repackaged pop stars clad in cowboy hats and boots.
No, Truckstop Souvenir doesn’t fit in with the current country scene. Rather, the husband and wife duo of Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter is a throwback to the genre’s roots, complete with fiddle, mandolin and gorgeous descant harmonies. After cutting its teeth in Seattle for a number of years, the duo relocated to Jefferson County, Iowa.
The band’s debut album, Leave Nothing Behind, explores a variety of sounds, from high-stepping bluegrass in “The Bootlegger’s Daughter” to poignant ballads such as “All-Night Franchise Diner.” It owes more to the Everly Brothers and Hank Williams than it does to newer acts such as Brad Paisley or Toby Keith.
Both James and Shapter sing lead vocals on their respective songs. The album contains five songs featuring each singer, along with a cover of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man,” which injects some much-needed energy to the album’s back half. The track finds the two sharing the chorus lead while Shapter handles the verses. Their stripped-down interpretation breathes new life into the song and is a fresh take on a country classic that will surely delight listeners.
“Mama’s Debt” is a haunting tale of teenage murder, and “Memorial Day” is a heartbreaking but perfect slice of Americana; the song recounts images of parades commemorating the sacrifices of soldiers who fought for their country.
Ultimately, the rest of the album isn’t as memorable as these three songs. This inconsistency does a disservice to the band’s cause. It’s a shame because with the right songs, Truckstop Souvenir has more than a fighting chance of leading a charge to revive country’s original sound.
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