Many bands blend country and rock, but few brew this concoction as well as the Old 97′s on Hitchhike to Rhome. Energetic frontman Rhett Miller commands attention as a charismatic vocalist and clever songwriter on tracks such as “St. Ignatius” and “If My Heart Was a Car.” On the album’s highlight “Stoned,” he even manages to successfully infuse the adjectives “dope” and “fly” into a country song. Bass player Murry Hammond supplies smooth harmonies throughout the album, in addition to lead vocals on the excellent Merle Haggard cover “Mama Tried.” Musically, the Old 97′s are capable of shifting comfortably between bluegrassy honky tonk (“Doreen”) and the occasional serene ballad (“Dancing With Tears.”) Ken Bethea’s guitar leads the band throughout their rowdy ride while Philip Peeples’ steady drumming manages to somehow hold everything together. Other standouts include “Drowning in the Days,” “Hands Off,” and “504.” Further demonstrating their country roots, there is even a secret hidden version of Webb Pierce’s “Tupelo County Jail” after the last listed track. Though their debut sounds more sparse and simplified than their subsequent releases, Hitchhike to Rhome showcases the spark of a truly original band with endless potential. – Michael Frey