Songs We Wrote & Songs We ‘Oughta Know
When festival season ends and you’re pining for those summer times where bluegrass tunes are wrapped around over-the-top corny comedy bits, you may not have to wait for the spring thaw. The Billy Boucher Bluegrass Band may just have the product for you.
It’s hard to believe the band can sing with tongues planted so firmly in cheek in their debut effort, Songs We Wrote & Songs We ‘Oughta Know. They market themselves as “The Grand Ol’Opry meets The Three Stooges,” and the art on the back of the CD features a Stetson-wearing, sasquatch-like creature sitting on the tailgate of a classic pickup truck.
The album is a mix of originals with covers of old-time classics such as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away,” as well as the Creedence Clearwater Revival hit, “Fortunate Son.” Every song or two, there are short comedy skits.
Sticking with the theme, there are original songs entitled “Voodoo Beans” and “Miss Sunday Morning Sunshine,” but the group kicks into gear about midway through with “Back to Carolina” and “Big Ol’ Number 9,” which are two of the best on the project.
The songs are all co-written by the three band members who go by onstage personas — Joshua Lopez (Billy Josh) on guitar and vocals; Matthew Miskin (Billy Matt) on Vocals, Banjo, Fiddle, Accordion, and Mandolin; and Glenn Wilcox (Billy Glenn) on vocals and upright bass.
Comedy is hard, and it takes guts to put out a CD — especially a debut — that departs from the ordinary. It’s about as close to a bluegrass stage show as one can find, and if that’s your thing, Songs We Wrote & Songs We ‘Oughta Know will be a fun listen.
