September November

''September November'' is the fifth studio album by American band the Long Ryders, released on March 10, 2023, by Cherry Red Records. It is their first full-length album without bassist Tom Stevens, who died in 2021. The album is produced by Ed Stasium, who also produced the Long Ryders' two previous albums, ''Two-Fisted Tales'' (1987) and ''Psychedelic Country Soul'' (2019).

Background

Due to the passing of long-time bassist Tom Stevens, bass duties on the album were shared by the Long Ryders' Stephen McCarthy and Murry Hammond of Old 97's. Guests on the album include D. J. Bonebrake of punk band X on vibraphone and violinist Kerenza Peacock of the Coal Porters. The album was recorded in July 2022 at producer Ed Stasium's Kozy Tone Ranch studio in California.

The album includes two Tom Stevens tributes: "Tom Tom", which was released as a download single on January 21, 2022, and the Stevens-penned "Flying Out of London in the Rain". Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Long Ryders recorded "Tom Tom" by emailing sound files back and forth. The song went from drummer Greg Sowders in Los Angeles to guitarist Stephen McCarthy in Virginia, to Ed Stasium near San Diego and then to guitarist Sid Griffin in London. The initial lyrics had come to Sowders in a dream and were finished with contributions by Griffin and McCarthy.

"Flying Out of London in the Rain" had originally been recorded for Tom Stevens' 2007 solo album ''Home''. The band kept Stevens' original lead vocals, guitar and bass, and added new instrumental parts. The backing vocals of daughter Sarah Stevens were also kept from the original recording.

The album title refers to the band being in the fall of their lives.

Reception

''September November'' received positive reviews from music critics. ''Classic Rock'' wrote, "As evidenced by 2019's ''Psychedelic Country Soul'' – their first album in more than 30 years – the Long Ryders not only defined their oeuvre, but actually picked up where they left off. And now, proving that it was no fluke, ''September November'' refines their sound further."

''Record Collector'' felt that "the result is, at times, gentler, more reflective ... But there's also the freewheeling sound the band have always been known for ... while their understated psychedelia surfaces on the hypnotic, guitar-rocking "Elmer Gantry Is Alive and Well." Add a dusting of country soul and it's a cool collection." Spiral Earth called it "a smorgasbord of sounds, from tub thumping rockers to western swing ditties and all points in between."

AllMusic felt that though there are some "solidly upbeat" songs on the album, "the more contemplative tone f other songsis what comes off most clearly." The band "deliver performances that come straight from the heart, and producer Ed Stasium gives the sessions a sound that's rich and naturalistic."

''Punktuation! Magazine'' wrote, "What ''September November'' has in common with every Long Ryders release is its want for repeated listens ... It deserves its place under the band's umbrella alongside the giants: '' Native Sons'', ''State of Our Union'', ''Two-Fisted Tales'' and ''Psychedelic Country Soul''." '' Uncut'' opined that the album "is undeniably a vital, relevant, 21st-century artefact."

Track listing

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes.

;The Long Ryders
*Sid Griffin – vocals, guitar, mandolin, mandocello, harmonica, banjo
*Stephen McCarthy – vocals, guitar, upright bass, octave mandolin, lap steel, keyboards (4, 5), bouzouki (5)
*Greg Sowders – drums, percussion
;Additional musicians
* Tom Stevens – lead vocals, guitar, bass (12)
*Sarah Stevens – backing vocals (12)
*Ed Stasium – keyboards, backing vocals
*Murry Hammond – bass (2–4)
* Kerenza Peacock – violin (1, 6, 8)
*Charles Arthur – piano (9)
* D. J. Bonebrake – vibes (3, 6)
*Ben Moore – organ (2, 7)
;Technical
*Ed Stasium – production, engineering, mixing, photography
*Steve Fallone – mastering
*Phil Smee – design, artwork

Charts

References

{{The Long Ryders

2023 albums
The Long Ryders albums
Albums produced by Ed Stasium