Blitzen Trapper Album: “Wild Mountain Nation”

Blitzen Trapper gives me my hope back for rock music. Plus those of us who have seen and heard much less of it in the last decade. Here in PA, they don't play too many bands with talent, much less Indie Rock bands from Oregon unfortunately. Anyway, getting back to B.T's sound here, they sorta remind me in waves of what the Grateful Dead's best jam music sounds like, but wait, there's more, mixed with this at times the sonic spacey sounds of the Doves, and then add in a little Strokes megaphone effects for the singer occasionally, and lastly, blend in a touch of alternative country/folkly twang, and there you have it for their style. Not exactly what most bands could pull off with this much bravado-and bravo to them for achieving it wonderfully time and again. This is a band which deserves a huge following, and this album is my favorite of theirs. It's a must own for Indie-heads, or anyone who appreciates something fresh and new to the music scene.

What an amazing album. Blitzen Trapper throw in everything bar the kitchen sink. So many bands spring to mind when listening to them. People keep saying Pavement and Beck. Honestly, I don't hear them too much. I can hear Badfinger, Lynard Skynard and Grateful Dead to name a few - most notably Badfinger. "Devil's A-Go-Go" is a quirky rocker. The song "Wild Mountain Nation" is a rustic rocker that is similar to My Morning Jacket. My personal favourite is "Futures & Folly". It's a beautiful soft rock song with a great harmony and chorus. "Miss Spiritual Tramp" is a great psychedelic wig out. "Woof & Warp of the Quiet Giant's Hem" is the weirdest of the bunch. "Sci-Fi Kid" is a great pop record with a nice futuristic feel. "Wild Mtn. Jam" is traditional country and calls to mind stuff like Flying Burritos and Grateful Dead. "Hot Tip/Tough Club" is a strange one. "The Green King Sings" is another good pop number. "Summer Town" is another highlight. It sounds like it was lifted off Dennis Wilson "Pacific Ocean Blue". "Murder Babe" is another ballsy rocker. "Country Caravan" is another brilliant country number. The final number "Badger's Black Brigade" is a slow burning country number. It could be the Grateful Dead.

All in all this is an excellent album. The songwriting is excellent. The songs are all short in duration. They feel like they are trimmed of all fat and excess - and that is a good thing.

Somewhere in the mix here are the ghosts of Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger. The same genius emanates from this record.

I'm over the moon to have discovered such a band

"Wild Mountain Nation" by Blitzen Trapper is an eclectic album to say the least. The genres bounce from song to song and even within particular tracks. Smatterings of indie rock, country rock, and straight garage rock permeate this album. While there are a few clunkers particularly in the middle of the record, the strong songs more than make up for them. The first few tracks such as "Devil;s A-Go-Go" and "Wild Mountain Nation" are outstanding and instantly accessible. "Wild Mountain Nation" reminds me of Skynnard at their absolutely best. The third track, "Futures and Folly" is a long lost Shins song with harmonizing vocals and a whimsical melody. Overall, I believe anyone could derive some pleasure form this album. The singer is not blessed with an extraordinary voice, but he gets the job done. The band's creativity is definitely something to experience.