Since the release of their 2002 critically acclaimed first CD, Mower Music, The Mower Men have been hard to find, as usual. Rumors have it that one guy has moved to Florida, where he fishes the waters near Everglades City. Another Mower Man allegedly operates a boiled peanut stand on the side of the road somewhere in rural Georgia. There may be another member of the band who, by day, opens doors for citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as they enter the halls of government. At night, he listens to the radio in his garage, drinking beer and snacking on crackers with cheese sprayed from a can.
There's something about these guys. Even though little is known, one can get a sense of a down to earth and independent spirit in the music they've made together. That spirit seems to resonate with people who live to mow. And now, against all obstacles, this mowtivated group of underachievers has managed to deliver a new recording inspired by the great sport of mower racing.
Those who have heard the new CD have remarked on an apparent growth in musical complexity and lyrical subtlety. The group, although clearly still fond of the style that was dominant in the first CD, has matured into a band that pays tribute to many more musical styles and genres. Is there a song that sounds like The Who on The Who Sell Out? Is there a song that reminds one of the old Jimmy Dean classic, Big John? Is there folk music? Country music? To know the answers one just needs to listen and enjoy Mower from The Mower Men.
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