"3 ½ stars. Now that they`re no longer on a major label, Cracker can indulge themselves. For some bands, this could be a problem, but a band as irreverent as Cracker can benefit from a little room to move, since that means they can toss off an album like Countrysides without having to justify why they`re doing a collection of sloppy, rowdy country covers, or having to make excuses that it`s something more than just a fun record. Because that`s what Countrysides is -- a simple collection of eight raucous covers of the band`s favorite country tunes, with the rowdy, vulgar anti-Virgin Records story-song "Ain`t Gonna Suck Itself" acting as the grand finale. This is honky tonk played by a bunch of drunk wiseasses. Sometimes, the smirk is a little too heavy, but usually the band is having such a good time it`s easy to give in and join the festivities. With this, they just have a hell of a good time, and that`s more than enough. "- AMG. "The band sounds relaxed and swinging on reverent country waltz takes of boozin` and tokin` songs by Merle Haggard ("The Bottle Let Me Down"), Ray Wylie Hubbard ("Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother"), Hank Williams Jr. ("Family Tradition") and Bruce Springsteen (the meth cookers` lament "Sinaloa Cowboys"). The broad song selection rises above novelty, even if the album isn`t much beyond a kitschy keepsake for hardcore fans. The lone original, "Ain`t Gonna Suck Itself," has leader David Lowery venting at the former Virgin Records bosses who dumped him. In case you miss his bitter point, a Lowery directed mini-movie about the making of the album hammers it home unnecessarily. Say what you will about him, but at least Lowery picks an interesting soundtrack." - Rolling Stone.
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