From the first few notes of the first track, 'Crazy Ways', the Blazing Homesteads second album makes it's intentions clear - the next 43 minutes are going to be fun, so you might as well sit down (or more likely dance around) and enjoy the ride.
'Crazy Ways' is loaded with excellent musicianship, great melodies and memorable hooks, but it's difficult to pin a musical style to the band, 'folk/rock with a Celtic/Country edge' seems the best fit, but only tells half the story. The second track 'Face the Day' could have come straight off Paul Simon's 'Graceland', and there is a huge variety of other styles over the album.
The 13 tracks comprise of 10 originals, and 3 well chosen covers from Steve Earle, Bap Kennedy and Nanci Griffith - the bands own compositions easily hold their own in this company.
There are so many good things here, it's easy to miss the excellent vocals of Chrissie Franey, sweet, expressive and versatile, she always convinces right across the wide range of styles.
'Crazy Ways' is a strong album in every department; in many ways it's reminiscent of 'The Saw Doctors' first album; fun and accessible with lots for everyone to enjoy - a real cracker of a disc.

£12.99