Album Notes

This Ain’t No Dang “Slipknot”

Montana guitar-slinger Richie Reinholdt’s new C.D. “Manic Heart” offers a refreshing alternative to pyscho anger-driven pop, in the classic folk-rock Americana style so popular today. Richie’s blend of intelligent pop lyrics combined with his broad knowledge of the alt-country folk-rock genre commonly called “Americana” give this recording a rocking sound while staying true to his roots-country vision.

Recorded, mixed and mastered at Reinholdt’s home studio through the winter of 2007-2008, “Manic Heart” showcases his new band The Rocketdogs. Brought together specifically for this recording project, the guys (Ted Lowe - acoustic guitar and back-up vocals / Bruce Threlkeld - drums / Mike Freemole - electric bass / and guest artist, the nearly-famous Larry Chung - pedal steel guitar) all threatened Richie, saying“if you don’t book some gigs, we’ll pound you.”

Opening the C.D. is the lively two-stepper “Tabloid Queen,” a soap opera story of a woman not able to see her way through her tragic love affairs. It’s followed by a solid roots-Americana rocker “On The Inside,” a statement of looking up instead of down. Next up is a nod to the Bakersfield / Buck Owens honky-tonk shuffle sound with “This Bottle,” a bit of a “drinking song.” The song “Movin’ On” is a Beatles-meets-Buddy Miller story of a girl’s dismay at the dissolution of her family.

There’s also some tongue in cheek humor on the disc. There’s a cynical jab at people who take themselves too seriously with “People Like Us.” As Richie says, “It’s amazing what rejection can do for inspiration.” Listeners will find themselves laughing out loud with “The Man.” And what country record would be complete without a few love songs? “Manic Heart”offers up a couple of those (“No X” and “Be The One”), as well as the song “Heroes” a story about “the cult of the celebrity.” The song “The Man” rounds out the show, and the album finishes with a “ghost track,” a bit of trivia. You’ll have to pick up a disc to find out. (The winner gets a free Milk Bone)

Richie and The Dogs will be sniffing fire hydrants all around western Montana so keep the leashes ready and the Milk Bone’s in supply and remember, “the dog sez arf ‘cause he can”.