When the frontperson of a popular band makes a solo record, it’s usually for one of two reasons. Either said musician has a side of him/herself that’s not being expressed on the day job records, or s/he simply has too many songs for one outlet. In the case of PATTERSON HOOD, sparkplug of the DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, it seems to be the latter – there’s nothing on Murdering Oscar (and other love songs) that the band couldn’t have done just as well. But until the DBT decides to start issuing triple album sets, this is the best way for the prolific Hood to make more music. And every song here is worth the time and attention – these aren’t rejected outtakes or tossed-off scraps. Cuts like “Pollyanna,” the surprisingly melancholy “She’s a Little Randy” and the poppy “I Understand Now” feature the same melodic sparkle, soulful grit and attention to lyrical detail that mark all of Hood’s tunes. More than just a place-saver for a new DBT record, Murdering Oscar shows Hood as having too many good songs to be confined to one project.
