Robbie's debut CD was the surprise hit of '96, and served notice that a) Country Music did NOT have to suck b) that he was a top-notch songwriter and performer and c) things in the underground country scene were never going to be the same. Truly the bar had been raised.
Let's let Robbie describe it:
“13 original country songs with an early 50's production aesthetic (hot
vocals, robust bass, live instrumental tracks) and arrangement, reviving certain
types of songs long abandoned by mainstream country music. Likewise in retro
spirit, these songs will frequently violate current country songwriting trends
which hold as taboo themes of negativism, forceful expression, and points of
view uncongenial to the prevailing ideology of fatuous feelgoodism; they will
instead reflect a modern sensibility in their emotional graphicness, vigorous
iconoclasm, and sense of humor. In composition and presentation the music will
honestly reflect the heart and personality of its author/singer, and in its
fundamental sincerity will stand resolutely against the poisonous tides
of camp.”
SO THERE!! Co-produced by Steve Albini, and features appearances by the Skeletons, and Tom Brumley (of the Buckaroos!), and drop-dead, now classic cool honky tonk gems like “Every Kinda Music But Country,” “The Buck Starts Here,” and the sing-a-long fave “She Took A Lot Of Pills (And Died).” Foodies will love “The Scrapple Song,” duet fetishists will adore “We'll Burn Together” and sinners will love “Let's Live Together.”