One good reason to feel like a gigantic turd is the fact that I haven’t written anything about Hayshaker even though I downloaded the album months ago. Hayshaker comes from the town where Gram Parsons grew up (Waycross, Georgia) and Tin Roof Snare is their sophomore album. It’s a really fine album even though I think it’s a bit of a slow starter and the quality really kicks in midway through the park. Sure it’s all pretty good beforehand as well and Merle Haggard is a great song title, but the last four songs are the the ones that I enjoy the most. Especially Swamp Country is such a great country song with lyrics that make you smile, some awesome male-female harmonies and a wonderful melody. Tin Roof Snare actually has a fair share of beautiful pop melodies on it and therefore you might like it even if you are not that much into country music.
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Hayshaker are a five-piece from Swamp County, Georgia, USA, which is kinda fitting considering they play dense, post-REM, country rock. Twangy and hooky – a winning combination and one they’re inclined to repeat throughout Tin Roof Snare, their second long-player.

Obviously, there’s no shortage of bands out there doing what Hayshaker do, the trick is separating the wheat from the chaff, and on evidence presented here, we’ve got a keeper. The opening salvo of “Merle Haggard” and “William The Loon” provides a clear indication of intent: solid songwriting (with no fear of narrative) surrounded by instruments with look traditional on paper, yet sound utterly contemporary and robust in practice.

As with all modern beat combos, they can be found on Myspace (link below), where they’ve a good selection of songs to be sampled, including a taster of the goodies to be found here. I heartily recommend you take yourself over and spin a few tracks. If full-bodied, literate, Southern country rock works for you, then you may find yourself a new favourite band.
www.myspace.com/honkeeband

Simon M.
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I have to admit bias on this one. When a band can have lyrics like, “Second thoughts have occurred. I feel like a gigantic turd. Walking barefoot like a hooker at 3 in the morning,” I can’t give it a bad review. The truth is these boys from Georgia have unleashed a great album. The band is unsigned and primarily a local phenomenon. I have a feeling that is all about to change. In spite of the lyrics above (from the song “Swamp County”) this is no novelty act. Hayshaker is for real.  

They mix a sound that is at times Country, but with a twist. They know how to use power chord licks with abandon. Lead singer CC Rider has a voice that sounds as if it should be singing Indie Rock instead of Roots Rock. Female vocalist Laurie Rider rounds out the bands sound, which is hard to categorize. The best way to describe Hayshaker is “Kick-Ass” Country. The steel guitar haunts the music of the album, which is also a part of their uniqueness. Lyrically the band is at times humorous, but they are more often deep and impactful. They have a talent of mixing sarcasm with truth. It is time to jump on the bandwagon while it still has room. I have a feeling there will be a second deck on the bandwagon before too long.
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