As we all know, Foo Fighters is Dave Grohl‘s band, showcasing his songs and vision, so the other Foos have to go elsewhere to get their creative jollies. Drummer Taylor Hawkins is already well-known for his 70s-fetish solo records; now it’s guitarist Chris Shiftlett‘s turn (not counting his work with punk revivalists Jackson United). His debut with the Dead Peasants is slick, shiny roots pop, with easily accessible melodies, bright production and nothing even close to threatening (despite a song called “God Damn”). That’s not to say the record isn’t good – indeed, it’s a strong collection of instantly appealing tunes like “Get Along,” “Not Going Down Alone” and “An Atheist’s Prayer,” with Greg Leisz‘s pedal steel giving the plainspoken arrangements some interesting spice. Shiflett may not push any envelopes, but he’s generous with easy pleasures that don’t insult your intelligence – kind of like his day job, actually.
http://www.myspace.com/chrisshiflett
http://www.rcarecords.com
