Bought the Farm

Personnel: Scott Peters (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, background vocals); Chris Wynters (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals); Brock Skywalker (vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, flute, harmonica, accordion, background vocals); Shannon Johnson (violin); Craig Brenan (trombone); Jules Mounteer (drums); Jessica Schoenberg, Satan (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Colin Lay.
Recording information: Beta Sound Recorders, Edmonton, Canada (01/1997-06/1997).
Bought the Farm, released after a two-year absence, finds everything clicking into place: great playing, great songs, great production. It's still mining the same folky Celtic vein that won the band a number of fans the first two times out, but better focus this time makes the album more enjoyable through repeated listens. "1000 Goodbyes" explores touring's effect on relationships. "Gotohell" is a lovely little kiss-off for that jerk everyone knows. And with mentions of Saskatoon, Rita MacNeil, hockey, and a frozen car engine, I challenge anyone to find a more Canadian song than "Frozen Puck to the Head," which is easily the funniest and best song on the album. ~ Sean Carruthers