I'm in shock ! This album is just so d*** GREAT. When I bought it I didn't really know what to expect. A double album of the same songs in two different versions ? Also the fact that Red Rooster used samples and computers ect. made me a bit cautious on the whole matter. But man was a surprised. What a concept. And the instrumentation. It all just works perfect. I love it. I can't really say I like CD one better than CD two or the other way around. Listening to Sharp Dressed Man on CD one and then hearing the cooked down version on CD two WOW. Or the great acapella version of Cold Ground. This album is just so good and it's really hard to pick out any favorite songs, because all 10 tracks are awesome...or should I say all 20 tracks are awesome. Definately one of the best albums I have bought in a long time and one of my all time top 20 albums. The only problem I have with this album is "When am I going to have time to listen to the other albums I bought along with Red Rooster - DOSE", I just can't get it out of my CD player. HIGHLY RECOMENDED 5 out of 5 star album.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I absolutely LOVE this CD and highly recommend it to everyone!  The diversity of the music from one song to the next is a refreshing change.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I have been waiting for an album like this all year.  A friend of mine turned me onto it and at first i though the double album thing sounded sort of gimmicky.  Then I listened.  And listened.  And listened.  What a tremendous work this album is.  It has not left the rotation for months - great songwriting, strong playing, soulful vocals.  I love listening to the two versions and combining them all in different ways.  great job guys!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Normally a band will release a few albums before they either want to try something new, or MTV come knocking and they record an acoustic record. Red Rooster is a completely different kind of band however. Their musical vision is to release a double album of ten new songs, with acoustic versions of the same ten songs. Now there is nothing wrong with aiming high when it comes to musical ambition, but for all of this to work the songs have got to be of an exceptionally high standard. Thankfully, the band is more than capable of delivering on that front. Singer Jay Erickson, has a fantastic baritone drawl, that at times sounds a little like Nick Cave on uppers. The arrangements are interesting, with instruments such as French horn, saxophone and clarinet thrown into the mix. Stylistically, the album varies from country to gothic pop but the songs are never dull. It is fascinating to hear the difference between the songs in their acoustic and electric formats. A good example of this is 'Cold, Cold Ground' which works brilliantly as an electrified country song but is simply breathtaking as an acapella gothic pop tune (complete with choir). In short, Red Rooster has released possibly the ultimate modern alt-country album. The electric disc has a distinctly urban feel (it even features a DJ!) and represents contemporary Americana at its best, whereas disc two features a wonderful organic sound that almost transports the listener back to the down home sounds of The Carter Family et al. The fact that Red Rooster has managed to capture the dichotomy of modern American roots music using just the same ten songs is nothing short of astounding. 'Dose' is certainly an early front runner for album of the year. (rating: 9 out of 10)
                            Read more...