FEBRUARY 2010 ONLINE EDITORIALS

Great American Taxi – Reckless Habits

album cover

By Molly McCowan

Great American Taxi’s new album will make you want to be a ramblin’ man, traveling the country with nothing but a guitar and a good singin’ voice.
Led by former Leftover Salmon frontman Vince Herman, Great American Taxi represents a coming together of many well-known names in Northern Colorado’s Americana, bluegrass, and country-influenced music. As a whole, Reckless Habits drives like an old-school Cadillac: comfortable and relaxed, with feel-good tunes boasting a hint of honky tonk, a bit of bluegrass, and a rock ‘n’ roll mentality driving from the backseat.
Yes, there is a bit of twang to be found among these songs, especially on “New Madrid,” a song written in the style of a classic country ballad. But the twang never goes overboard, and the writing on the album is strong and heartfelt.
The majority of the songs on the album are upbeat, and they invite the listeners to get out on the dance floor. “Good Night to Boogie” is one of these songs, carrying an infectious beat overlaid with various instruments, including an old-fashioned organ that gives the track an intriguing gospel quality. Another of my favorite songs is “One of These Days,” a more relaxed, swing-style blues song with a mood about it that makes you want to head on down to New Orleans.
Reckless Habits is an album soon to be loved by many, but especially by those who enjoy classic country, rhythm and blues, honky tonk, and bluegrass.
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