Dollar Store
“Self-Titled”
(Bloodshot Records)
There’s a lot of music I despise just on general principle and Country usually fits cleanly into that bill. Of course, I’m willing to make exceptions for standout acts, and Dollar Store is undoubtedly one of them. Sure, Dollar Store probably isn’t exactly capital-C-country, as there are Springsteen influences and rockabilly touches, but after you hear the opening fiddle in “Around the Bend” you’ll swear this is the best Country you’ve heard since… hell, since ever, I guess.
The lyrics are fun, and who knew Country could have such killer grooves? Throw in a brilliant cover of Cher’s “Believe” and you’ve got yourself an album perfect for a road trip to someplace where you won’t be taking any showers and sharing a tent with your dog.
With Dean Schlabowske’s warm, soothing tenor bouncing off the cab of your Tacoma you’ll barrel down the freeway, tapping your foot to the simple, economic rhythms and letting the album spin time and again while you head to the lake. Or river. Or mountain, or wherever the hell you’re going in my make believe trip. Hell, I don’t even have a truck, I just wish I do after listening to this album.
