Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites [7] Comments

Please wait...

Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: http://www.palmettostatequartet.com

Thank God For a Song was my first real introduction to Palmetto State. Don't get me wrong, I've always been readily familiar with their radio releases, but I've never had a chance to really take in a full-length recording from the popular quartet. Palmetto State, like other traditional based groups like Dixie Echoes, Blackwood Brothers, Florida Boys, and others have never been a huge draw for me. I enjoy a great quartet in a live setting, but it was nothing that ever made want to come back repeatedly to listen to a recording from them.

With that being said, I knew what I was getting into when I popped in Thank God For a Song. From the immediate traditional intro of the Daryl Williams and Ben Storie penned "Reach For the Sky", I was drawn in by the quartet's striking harmonies and tight sound. They immediately keep things going with the traditional flavored "Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore." Admittedly, the group is tighter and more engaging on their upbeat numbers, but tenor Wesley Smith does a fantastic job of interpreting the first ballad "He's the Anchor of My Soul" (written by Shaun Weeks).

The next two tracks immediately took me by surprise. "Hopes Harbour" had a fantastic horn intro that really help propel the song from just another quartet number. Also, the Jim Davis penned "It Only Takes On" features a catchy country hook that feels a bit different from past Palmetto State songs. This is an extremely strong cut, and it works amazingly well as the group's first single - showing they are more than just a traditional quartet and can cut loose with the best of them. "Gone Fishin' (written by Ray Scarbrough) features a traditional quartet arrangement with a nice added touch of harmonica (played expertly by David Johnson) just to keep things interesting. The album closes with the cover of Andrae Crouch's "I've Got It" - another track that keeps things playful with it's modern country sound, a la the Oak Ridge Boys.

I have to admit that I was going into Thank God For the Song expecting mostly traditional songs and arrangements, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the quartet stepping out of the usual four-men-and-a-piano mold. It's a pleasant change of pace for the group. With the way that groups like the Dove Brothers, Gold City, and the Kingsmen have gone with a more decidedly country feel, it's no surprise to see other quartets go the same way. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a progressive album, but it does feature the Palmetto State Quartet trying new things, and it fits them well.

Reader Comments

I'm gonna have to get this CD.I love Burmans awsome bass vocals.I think one of his best was "THE EASTERN GATE" when he rocked The Dove Brothers.
Skull

Chris,
I disagree with the rating. When a group attempts to break from a stylistic rut as PSQ has done here, that's fantastic. That alone, though, isn't enough for a high rating.

When the Dove Brothers released _Anything But Ordinary, Everything But Typical_, it was universally rated high because it was a fresh sound AND they totally pulled it off in grand fashion. PSQ hasn't done that.

I REALLY like a couple of songs ("Reach For The Sky" and "It Only Takes One"), but rather than embracing that style with the rest of the CD, it's more hit and miss with standard arrangements.

For that reason, I wouldn't rate it any higher than 3 1/2 stars. Also, the vocal blend hasn't quite gelled yet with this new line-up, at least not on every song. Driving, "power vocals" suit this group, but the song selection limited them from doing much singing in that style.

--Making hay while the sun shines--
sgnforum@musicscribe.com - BLOG - SGHistory.com

If my review read to say that I gave them 4 1/2 stars because they took a chance musically, then I wrote it wrong.

I didn't give this recording that high a rating due to that, though I did commend them for trying new things. I feel like this is a high quality recording, excellent song choices and arrangements, and thought the blend was very good, especially for such a new group of vocalists.

I just thought it was a great recording. However, I had no previous efforts to base it on.

Chris,
I got that impression mostly from your closing paragraph...that you really liked this CD because they surprised you with a sound you weren't expecting.

That aside...do you honestly think the quality of this CD is equal (or nearly equal) to Gold City's _Revival_ or the Kingsmen's _Good Good God_? Can't tell precisely what you rated the Kingsmen when you reviewed it, but I'm assuming 4 1/2 or 5...and Gold City's was among your top choices last year. I'm hearing both of these similarly styled recordings as being at least a full star better.

Different tastes in music and what not, but I'm hearing some fundamental issues that prevent me from going higher on this CD.

--Making hay while the sun shines--
sgnforum@musicscribe.com - BLOG - SGHistory.com

Add Comments

If you are seeing this form you are not a Member or have not logged in. Why not consider becoming a Member? All comments must be made with a valid email address. Comments with invalid email addresses are subject to removal.

Membership allows you to have a prepared signature of your choice applied to every comment you make, as well as the ability to choose an avatar to display next to your name to help identify your posts. Members are also given opportunity to vote weekly in our Weekly Chart as well as special Members Only contests, polls and giveaways during the year. If you are already a member, login here, otherwise please register here.

**Note: Forums membership is a seperate membership.

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: