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04 September 2003
The Blackstone Valley Sinners, It's a Sin (Valley)
The self-proclaimed "Number One country band in all of Rhode Island", The Blackstone Valley Sinners get going with a brief instrumental intro that is leisurely and pleasing to the ear. Lead singer Slim Cessna has a rather smooth sound that is rough around the edges. The warble as he yodels on the traditional "Angel" is a highlight. Mixing a bit of barroom country with fifties era country in the vein of Roy Orbison or Marty Robbins, "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" also features vocals from Judithann. Fans of quirky country acts like The Handsome Family will grasp onto this record, especially on the Johnny Cash sounds of "Slater Mill". Murder, whores and the bible-thumping themes appear more tongue-in-cheek, but the passion Cessna delivers them with makes you think twice. "Fraulein" is another gem that ambles along at a relaxing pace. The galloping "Lethal Injection" is a perfect rockabilly meets punkabilly effort that flies off the album. A few tracks marginally miss the mark like "Knightsville", but overall songs such as "Saturday Satan Sunday Saint" and the murky rock texture of "Pawtucket Pickup" make you yearn for the days when the "western" was still part of "country".
— Jason MacNeil
.: posted by Editor 9:10 AM
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