Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If Unity Lodge sounds like a record out of place and time, that's largely a good thing. Johnny Irion's blend of folk, rock & roll, and country would've sounded right at home on the West Coast in the late '60s and early '70s, even though it was recorded on the East Coast three decades later. Backed partly by his former bandmates in Queen Sarah Saturday, a mid-'90s North Carolina alt-rock band, Irion proves considerably adept with rootsier material as both a songwriter and a singer. His high-pitched whine will undoubtedly bring to mind Neil Young, but his songs often ramble along with more of a dusty Woody Guthrie feel. As it happens, Irion is married to Woody's granddaughter, Sarah Lee, who contributes backing vocals on several tracks. --Peter Blackstock
Unity Lodge,Johnny Irion,Yep Roc Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
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Unity Lodge
Johnny Irion Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Alternative Rock
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Piano
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| Classical
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Outlaw & Progressive Country
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General
| Opera & Vocal
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General
| Rock
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Country Rock
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Pop Rock
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Electric Blues Guitar
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Country Folk
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ASIN: B000066APO Release Date: 2002-05-21 |
Tracks:
Amazon.com
If Unity Lodge sounds like a record out of place and time, that's largely a good thing. Johnny Irion's blend of folk, rock & roll, and country would've sounded right at home on the West Coast in the late '60s and early '70s, even though it was recorded on the East Coast three decades later. Backed partly by his former bandmates in Queen Sarah Saturday, a mid-'90s North Carolina alt-rock band, Irion proves considerably adept with rootsier material as both a songwriter and a singer. His high-pitched whine will undoubtedly bring to mind Neil Young, but his songs often ramble along with more of a dusty Woody Guthrie feel. As it happens, Irion is married to Woody's granddaughter, Sarah Lee, who contributes backing vocals on several tracks. --Peter BlackstockCustomer Reviews:
Johnny's catchy roots-rock is definitely worth hearing........2003-11-05
I was really interested to get his album, to hear how the songs he wrote compared with the ones he played in class. This revealed to me that he was indeed a talented songwriter in addition to being a skilled player and singer. I've come back to this disc again and again and it is always a great listen.
The songs all have an earthy, natural feel, and are excellently arranged with banjo picking, electric slide guitar licks, and harmonica runs adding texture to the songs, which range from humorous and rollicking to subtly powerful. You can sing along to all of them, and the historical and travelling stories he tells help maintain the songs' momentum.
If you're a fan of roots-rock or alt-country you're sure to find something you like in this album. However, I venture to say that fans of other types of music will find "Unity Lodge" appealing as well, as the songs are catchy and the singing and playing are so natural and full of joy.
New Country-Rock.......2002-05-28
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