Don't know them but this album never leaves my cd player which holds 6 at a time. A must own!!!
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The "Never Again" part of Blue Highways' latest album alludes to that mantra the overindulged person swears to after a night of hard living - be it drinking, gambling, or motel escapades with a "Butterface" (one of the funniest lyrics ever). Of course, the "Until the Next Time" is the reality check aspect of the title. If something's enjoyable in the moment we never seem to think about the consequences of repeating our actions. Well, Blue Highways shouldn't have worried about naming their CD what they did because this is one that you'll find enjoyable time and time again with no never agains in between. I'm happy to report that Blue Highways knows about the long-lost art of strong songwriting, hummable melodies and pretty vocal harmonies. In many ways, they're a throwback to a more innocent musical time. I hear a lot of early '70s country rock in their sound - Richie Furay-era Poco, pre-Joe Walsh Eagles, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage (Great NRPS pedal steel man, Buddy Cage, even guests on a few songs.), with a little bit of Sultans of Swing-period Dire Straits thrown in. If you're anti-synth like me you'll also be relieved to hear none here; just melodic, soaring (but never wanky) guitars and a great locked-in rhythm section. Vocally, the band has three lead vocalists - Chris Fay, Bob Scrabis and Ken Ramos - and it's a great balance. I eagerly await the next CD by this wonderful band. - C.A. Carlino
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This CD is really not bad...and that's pretty good. What I heard was unique but familiar. Neat vibe. I'm interested in what's next.
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I CAN'T WRITE VERY WELL, so I don't quite understand why anyone would want to read a review by me except for what I saw and heard. I haven't been the same since my first Blue Highways show more than a decade ago. After that first one, there were many shows to follow, probably two hundred or more. In return, I have witnessed Blue Highways play, sing, write and record some of the best music I ever have heard. Not to speak of the fun I’ve had because of them.

ON “NEVER AGAIN UNTIL NEXT TIME” we find Blue Highways in a mutually introspective and retrospective state, probing both their perceptual experiences in life, as well as looking forward towards the promise of a bright future.

THIS ROOTS ROCK BAND has beautifully delivered an autobiographical masterpiece. “Never Again Until Next Time” will unquestionably go on to stand for one of Blue Highways greatest, most earnest and lyrically mature albums to date. 

THE TRACKS.

LATE LIT AND LOADED (TRACK 1) On the surface, the song appears to be an account of a gig gone bad, that didn't go down, but should have gone down, somewhere in western PA in the early 2000's.  When you listen to the lyrics you'll surely hear the story, as all Blue Highways songs on this album have one to tell. The band sings rebelliously and defiantly on Late Lit and Loaded about a festival appearance that didn't come to pass, along with their spin on some of the colorful characters surrounding the festival holding unfounded and preconceived notions. You get the idea that the festival they were scheduled to play was a gathering of the not so groovy vibes. The vocals on this track resonate with righteousness and lashing chords from the electric guitars. The satirical lyrics and balls out alt country blues blast through the speakers and into your stream of consciousness. When I listened again I began to observe that the song also holds deep, subterranean metaphors in relation to more than a decade of band performances and life experiences.


STILL GOT TIME (TRACK 2) A heartfelt and inspirational ballad, sung with profound optimism, hope and sensitivity. Bob Scrabis has vocals that will melt you on Still Got Time. You'll find yourself believing not only in Scrabis, but also earnestly considering the words he and the Band gently and reassuringly blanket you with through their sweet vocals and engaging instruments, like a favorite sweater in fall. Buddy Cage's pedal steel brings just the right amount of twang to this sweetly sung, inspirational song, Still Got Time. 


HOW IT MUST BE (TRACK 3) Ken Ramos pours his heart into this roots rock alt country love song and his vocal intensity comes across strong. Ramos makes evident on How It Must Be, he is a powerful singer with conviction and fervor. His voice is transporting, as are the lyrics on How It Must Be, a tune you'll find yourself playing over and over again.


REBEL HEART (TRACK 4) Chris Fay's powerful vocals along with his larger than life persona come across steadfast and strong on Rebel Heart. Fay is passionate and committed on Rebel Heart. The lyrics in the song are reminiscent of Dylanesque style poetry, revealing Blue Highways exceptionally gifted songwriting abilities. As with many songs on this album, Rebel Heart has a jagged edge. With an upbeat rhythm and beguiling lyrics, I think you'll find yourself singing along to this one.  Rebel Heart is a song that delivers sharp witted, honest observations with a down home, feel good, passionate vibe.


ONE MILE CLOSER (TRACK 5) Bob Scrabis can sing. On One Mile Closer he woos us and twirls us, and spins us around his sweet and moody melodic world of longing hope and strength. As you listen to this uplifting tune, you’ll find yourself wanting this song to be sung to you. The Bands’ collaboration is stronger than ever on this track, together with with Buddy Cage's powerful pedal steel licks and Kevin Buck’s transporting electric guitar. This is a beautiful and rousing roots rock love song delivered with authenticity and affection.


BUTTERFACE (TRACK 6). You just might laugh until you pee when you hear Track 6. Butterface. The lyrics are fast, upbeat and hysterical. The story behind this song and the spirit in which Chris Fay and the Boys deliver it will have you hooked. Don Stoll’s drumming is forceful and faultless on a song that has belly laughing truths that tell the tale of the misfortune of a drunken sailor on the ship of life. The Band's collaboration here is heart warming and unfaltering, and the boy meets girl story is simply fall down funny. I think Butterface is one of the funniest songs ever recorded in the history of the recording industry.


CRAZY MAMA'S GIRL (TRACK 7) I could swear this is a song about someone I know. I read the lyrics in their entirety before slipping the disc into the player for the first time and felt my heart skip a beat. I was immersed in the words. When I actually listened to the lyrics I honestly thought Track 7 was a ballad about none other than me. Me when I was crawling around lost in the dark, making noises no one likes. It moved me. I laughed and cried. But hey, people think that kind of stuff all the time when they heavily identify with a singer, songwriter or a song. They'll think or say, gee, that song is about me ~ or, he's singing to me. These are some of the things, when he was living, folks would say about Jerry Garcia all the time. So, just as soon as you go along for the ride with Blue Highways on Track 6’s Butterface, the compact discs most humorous stretch, just when you've suddenly been liberated, enter Crazy Mama's Girl. A quite sad and mournful, touching ballad delivered by Chris Fay and Bob Scrabis with evident love, and the bands trademark dash of fiery sarcasm. There’s even a hint of humor on this track. This is my particular favorite composition on the album Never Again Until Next Time. Chris and Bobby's delivery of these lyrics penetrate. Fay’s vocal range is impressive and touching. What Crazy Mama’s Girl represented to me is the band with two sides, one loving and tender, the other sharp tongued and spirited. Perhaps this combination of Blue Highways harsh criticism delivered with compassion and love, make this one - and them, so special. 


FIND YOUR WAY (TRACK 8) Heartfelt and haunting with more than a suggestion of hope and optimism. This song has the rare and uncommon ability to provide newfound hope that one might find their way if they get confused. It gives someone the unusual gift of an understanding and accepting companion in the form of a song, particularly if they so happen to find themselves losing their focus on the highway of life. Eric Safka on keyboard is otherworldly. Don Stoll’s drumming pounds with energy and fire. Ken Ramos delivers Find Your Way with passion, delivering this song to his audience with sincerity and earnestness. 


SATURDAY AM (TRACK 9).  Powerful and haunting, these lyrics dance in the hearts and minds of the Saturday morning soldier along with those who have ever struggled to continue. Chris Fay sings despondently to us on loneliness, despair and surrender. Tenderly he sings “I thought about heading into outer space”. The poetic prose are reminiscent of Neil Young’s acoustic track, “My, My Hey, Hey, (Out of the Blue)” and his electric “Hey, Hey, My, My (Into the Black)” with the familiar lyrics “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”.  Saturday AM’s lyrics embrace and capture the essence and sentiments in keeping with Mr. Young’s classic about the fight in our heads to carry on.  Saturday AM is a touching, dark, and provocative composition that will likely yield countless interpretations. 


BAR BAND (TRACK 10) Bar Band has become one of Blue Highway’s great anthems. Bar Band cries “rock & roll” yet weeps sincerity and genuineness in long-established traditional Blue Highways style.  Bar Band signify the Band’s desire and decision to remain a vital part of the music scene.  


THE ALBUM'S TITLE PHRASE "NEVER AGAIN UNTIL NEXT TIME" embodies the spirit of the Blue Highways roots rock / alt country blues music and the embrace of the new at the expense of the old. Much as The Who sang "Hope I die before I get old", Blue Highways seem to be saying "Still Got Time".  


NEVER AGAIN UNTIL NEXT TIME has an unmistakable sound, Blue Highways sound. This album perfectly captures the essence of the Band with unyielding grooves and beautiful reverberations. I give you my word there is good music on this disc. Never Again Until Next Time leaves the listener eagerly anticipating Blue Highways next album.
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