Single Review: Charlie Shafter Band - Not My Girl
The boys in the Charlie Shafter Band don't take themselves too seriously. But when it comes to their music, these guys are awful hard workers. All the proof you need is in their album "17th And Chicago" and their new single "Not My Girl" which mixes Texas country with a little Goo Goo Dolls/Lifehouse style. This combination is infectious - in a good way.
"Not My Girl" is a contemporary country song that fits well on radio and showcases the band's laid back style. The music is upbeat and the lyrics are reflective without trying to be too deep. In short, it's a perfect, catchy country radio tune.
Since Charlie Shafter and drummer Joel Dreistadt hail from Illinois, the band doesn't classify itself as Texas country. The Charlie Shafter Band's music crosses genres and can be appreciated by fans of both Bob Dylan and Ricky Skaggs. Indeed, the first single "Big City Baby" has a great Marc Cohn-goes-country vibe that masterfully succeeds.
The Charlie Shafter Band's album shows that the band is just on the cusp of finding its footing and perfecting its sound. It is truly wonderful to listen to "17th and Chicago" all at once because the album is, in many ways, an experimental album for the band. This group (which also goes by the monicker Charlie Shafter and The Gnomes) is not afraid to take chances.
The single "Not My Girl" more than proves that the Charlie Shafter Band has a future on country radio, and the album "17th and Chicago" provides more than enough evidence that these guys will be surprising us with sparks of genius in the years to come. CountryChart.com
"Not My Girl" is a contemporary country song that fits well on radio and showcases the band's laid back style. The music is upbeat and the lyrics are reflective without trying to be too deep. In short, it's a perfect, catchy country radio tune.Since Charlie Shafter and drummer Joel Dreistadt hail from Illinois, the band doesn't classify itself as Texas country. The Charlie Shafter Band's music crosses genres and can be appreciated by fans of both Bob Dylan and Ricky Skaggs. Indeed, the first single "Big City Baby" has a great Marc Cohn-goes-country vibe that masterfully succeeds.
The Charlie Shafter Band's album shows that the band is just on the cusp of finding its footing and perfecting its sound. It is truly wonderful to listen to "17th and Chicago" all at once because the album is, in many ways, an experimental album for the band. This group (which also goes by the monicker Charlie Shafter and The Gnomes) is not afraid to take chances.
The single "Not My Girl" more than proves that the Charlie Shafter Band has a future on country radio, and the album "17th and Chicago" provides more than enough evidence that these guys will be surprising us with sparks of genius in the years to come. CountryChart.com