“We thought, ‘Let’s go play some shows and fuck around,'” says Tommy Stinson about the genesis of “Wronger.” And that’s that, really. Except Tommy Stinson was in the Replacements, he was Guns N Roses, so when he decides to mess about, call it what you will, it matters.
Cowboys In The Campfire, the duo consisting of Tommy Stinson and guitarist for hire Chip Roberts (an uncle to one of the other man’s ex’s) , presents an album that embraces the primal, weird, and compelling essence of a duo’s collaboration. And in true Stinson style, it serves up wonderful side order of pop music that’s bound to captivate listeners.
The tracks in “Wronger” offer a diverse range of styles and emotions that make it a fascinating journey through the duo’s artistic vision. “Here We Go Again” sets the tone, with a laid-back, well, campfire rock ‘n’ roll vibe, complemented by the exquisite brass flourishes. The energy of “That’s It” takes us back to primal rock ‘n’ roll, reminiscent of the classic Sun Studios sound. “Mr. Wrong” delves into a bit of country, showcasing the duo’s versatility.
The album’s laid-back vibes and warm breeze comes through in “Schemes,” while “Fall Apart Together” presents honky-tonk ready tunes. “Hey Man” evokes a world-weary atmosphere, with perfectly crafted instrumentation adding to the mix. “We ain’t” could easily belong to an early Elvis record, and “Karma’s Bitch” manages to maintain a relaxed ambiance despite the weighty lyrics.
The haunting drums of “Souls” continue the thematic exploration, with poignant lyrics layered over a dark and compelling melody. Finally, the superb, expansive, “Dream” takes us on a journey with lush harmonies that provide insight into the vast potential this record holds.
Stinson shares how the album came to be: “Finally we were like, ‘We’ve got 10 songs here. Let’s make a record.'” Whether you believe the story or not, one thing remains clear – “Wronger” – like everything Stinson touches – feels so right.
Rating: 8.5/10
