The Medicine Bow – Songs From the Floor (Wood Shampoo)

Like an unholy cross between the Pogues at their most shambolic and the Dogs D’amour at their most out of control, the Medicine Bow kicks out the crusty cowpunk jams. The Manchester band’s second full-length, Songs From the Floor spreads over the counter like spilled beer, leaving a burnished stain and the scent of stale alcohol and failed expectations. If that sounds like a slam, rest assured that’s exactly the effect bandleader Stu Gibson is going for – energy-spewing, sloppy, but laying on the boozy anti-charm in order to cover up the beating, bruised heart underneath the scuzz. Careening from dirty boogie (“The Curse of the Bow”) and scorching rock & roll (“This Side of Town (Train Song),” “Downtown/Downtime”) to ravaged balladry (“Waltz of Disregard,” “Wine Drinker”) and skillet-licking C&W (“Scar On the Horizon,” “The Walkin’ Talkin’ Splutterin’ Rotgut Blues”), the Bow draws itself over the strings of American roots music with both the affection of true believers and the irreverence of thugs, driven more by spirit than any sense of tradition. Spin Songs From the Floor and raise a glass, but don’t forget to spill the contents on your neighbor.

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