Released: Sep 29, 2009
Genre: Southern Rock, Country
Label: Roadrunner Records
Number Of Tracks: 12
Lynyrd Skynyrd walks the line between Southern rock and contemporary country on the new record God & Guns.
God & GunsFeatured review by: UG Team, on october 13, 2009 4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: If you think you’re accustomed to Lynyrd Skynyrd projecting a “Southern way of life,” you haven’t heard anything yet. While songs like “Free Bird” and “Simple Man” had somewhat of a universal appeal, the band’s 12th studio album God & Guns will likely be more polarizing than anything. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s approach to music is now aligned with a country music approach, both musically and lyrically. While the band will still find an audience to embrace their songs dedicated to a more conservative, arm-bearing America, quite a few old-school Skynyrd fans will be turned off in the process.
In terms of the musical content, God & Guns is not devoid of any classic Skynyrd-sounding tracks. “Still Unbroken” features a good deal of guitar harmonization, slide work, and catchy melodies. As the first single off the record it has more of a produced sound than in the past, but it also represents the more rock-driven side of the band. The next track “Simple Life” veers into what could be considered country territory. That song, generally a mellow country offering that promotes (as the title references) a simpler life with family, would be more at home among a rotation with Carrie Underwood or Brad Paisley.
The guest musicians featured on God & Guns are unexpected, particularly with the direction that Skynyrd has taken. John 5 and Rob Zombie both lend their skills to the album, with Zombie appearing on “Floyd,” which is easily the best track on the record. Starting out with a dark, ominous banjo intro and delving into Delta blues territory elsewhere, “Floyd” is both intriguing and refreshing. It’s in those memorable moments that the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd still prove their abilities as songwriters. “God & Guns” starts out promising for the down-home vibe it conveys, but the lyrics come on a bit strong and may (if you don’t subscribe to Skynyrd’s political views) leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Even if you can set aside the lyrics, you have to deal with the fact that the days of Southern-fried rock are becoming a thing of the past. There are traces of rock in the tracks “Little Thing Called You” and “Coming Back For More,” but it seems the contemporary country genre is creeping into the mix. When you look at any of this marketing-wise, however, the current sound will probably work in the band’s favor. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: You can’t accuse Lynyrd Skynyrd of being wishy-washy about their political/social viewpoints. On God & Guns, there is rarely a song in which you hear the run-of-the-mill rock lyrics. Whether the theme revolves around having dinner with your kids (“Simple Life”) or why Americans deserve to the right to bear arms (“God & Guns”), the songs are geared toward a specific audience with a very, very specific viewpoint. Long story short, you’ll either love ‘em or hate ‘em. // 7
Impression: It’s been about 22 years since Ronnie Van Zant’s passing in an airplane crash, and younger brother Johnny Van Zant has proven himself to be a solid frontman since that time. The technical ability of Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, and Mark Matejka, bassist Robert Kearns, drummer Michael Cartellone, and keyboardist Peter Pisarcyzk is not up for debate. These are musicians who still provide “wow” moments every once in awhile on God & Guns. The main issue is the changing focus of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which at the current time seems to be catering toward more of a contemporary country audience. There’s nothing wrong with taking a different musical course, but Skynyrd fans from bygone years may not be ready to go along for the ride. // 7
God & Guns
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 07, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Okay, before I kick-off this review, which will be a long 'un, lets get some of our shit straight. Lynryd Skynryd's most recent album, God & Guns, was released on 29th September 2009. The "new Skynryd" line up comprised of...
Johnny Van Zant - Vox
Gary Rossington – guitars
Rickey Medlocke – guitars, backing vocals
Mark Matejka – guitars, backing vocals
Ean Evans – bass, backing vocals
Robert Kearns – bass, backing vocals
Michael Cartellone – drums
Billy Powell – keyboards
Peter Keys – keyboards
And a few guest appearances including Rob Zombie, and John 5.
The album reached No. 9 on the Billboard of Alternative Albums, and 18th on The Billboard 200, and two singles released prior to the main album were Still Unbroken and Simple Life, both of which enjoyed moderate success.
Okay now we know what we're dealing with, I'll get going. (please note, this review is totally my personal opinion, and likely relates to my demographic and therefore my clash with your opinion, all feedback and viewpoints are welcome)
I received this album for Christmas '09 and naturally, excited as I was immediately stuck it on, and had my first taste of new Skynryd material since god knows when.
First thing to mention is this album takes on a different style to Skynryd's old stuff, I hadn't heard Still Unbroken before now and it gives an accurate kick-off to the albums predominant style - heavy rock with some country, blues and rock n' roll thrown in. And I liked this. Although it differs from standard Skynryd, it was refreshing to hear something new from a favourite band of mine. Die hard classical fans will likely find it difficult to get over the change, but we must remember that times DO change, and artists change. I was, quite frankly, glad that Skynryd had changed and not just churned out bad rip-offs of the songs from the 70's.
Another notable change is the manner in which this album has been produced, it has clearly been mixed to shit and back, and as a result much of the good ol' Skynryd feel is gone, but enough remains to keep the new and old bands united under a banner other than merely sharing the name.
So, first impressions, good, and as I continued through the album, they stayed pretty much the same, with the exception of a few track which really pissed me off, but I'll get to those in a bit, however first I'd like to point out the biggest flaw in this album.
In my opinion the pitfall this album falls into, which so many other do also, is there is no defined style. It is not rock, blues, country or metal, it is a crazy amalgamation of them all. Now I believe that an album should really try to target one demographic, and that way it is guaranteed to be bought by at least one type of person. However by trying to incorporate all styles, it doesn't appeal to anyone in particular, to illustrate this point I have picked a hugely successful album, Appetite For Destruction by GNR. This album did a fantastic job of hitting one demographic, the soft rock and punky L.A scene, and it did this so well, that other people heard it, then liked it, and so it branches out into many different types of people liking it. This is also completely applicable to the early Skynryd albums, but when you shove as many genres into an album in order to make almost everyone want it, it just fails, because no-one can relate to the whole album, but I may have stayed on this point for too long, it just hit me that the writers didn't know that by each writing two songs, in different styles gives the album a fractured and disorganised feel.
So now my hard rocking amigos we are on too the lyrics section, and i will also speak about the music too, I don't have school tomorrow, and I am enjoying myself.
p.s. I'd really like to give this a 7.5, but it wont let me so... hey! // 7
Lyrics and Singing: So, as I have said before there is some shit in this album which really bugs me, so I this section may be fairly long, but never fear! I'll break it down track by track and make it nice and simple.
First, a list of all the tracks:
"Still Unbroken" - 5:06
"Simple Life" - 3:17
"Little Thing Called You" - 3:58
"Southern Ways" - 3:48
"Skynyrd Nation" - 3:52
"Unwrite that Song" - 3:50
"Floyd" (feat. Rob Zombie) - 4:03
"That Ain't My America" - 3:44
"Comin' Back For More" - 3:28
"God & Guns" - 5:44
"Storm" - 3:15
"Gifted Hands" - 5:22
Now, I have already spoken a little about Still Unbroken so I'll make this quick. As I have stated previously it is a nice, punchy opening which sets the albums tone nicely, the lyrics speak in first person of a man who appears to have gone through some shit in his life, but is "Still Unbroken". It talks of him riding across America on a motorcycle, and basically saying he's happy with what he's got.
I actually really like this song's lyrics, it has a cheesy layout, and you can guess the line following the one Van Zant has just sung, but yehno, you've got to love the cheese. It's catchy, got a nice chorus and an okay riff throughout, and comes off as a polished, and nicely written piece of music. Rating - 9/10
Now, follows one of the songs which really pisses me off, Simple Life. I have just said "you've got to love the cheese" but if you had more than 5,000 tons of cheese down your throat, it is going to f--king piss you off. One of the worst things about this song is the cheesy, shitty guitar riff which both kicks off and ends the song, the lyrics are dull and repetitive. But the crowing turd in this songs production is the message behind it, it is essentially the same song as 'Still Unbroken" but the other way round. If you don't get what I mean I'll explain slowly, pin back your ears and concentrate dumb-ass this is a complex point.
As i said before Still Unbroken is basically of a guy who has gone through some tough shit, but is happy with his rough and tumble life. Now, Simple Life is pretty much the same, a song in first person, yet this time he is bitching about how sweet things used to be so much better, he even says "I've been around the world, Seen all there is to see I'd trade ALL those memories for ONE MORE DAY how it used to be" excuse me but haven't you just said how much you love your mental life, now you would swap away half your life for a day in a Simple Life? Make your f--king mind up!
Now please don't get me wrong, I understand that there is no rulebook on how songs should be written, and all songs are is a form of expression, but come on, a little consistency wouldn't be a ridiculous would it?
Also, not to be bias I did think this was a nice nod in the general direction of the country influence which shapes much of Skynryd's sound, but again this leads in to the multi-genre thing again, and so may be doing the album a disservice. And the song was multi-layered and presented in an interesting way, so hey, its not all bad. Rating 5.5/10
Next, we hit a favourite of mine, Little Thing Called You, it's similar in style to Still Unbroken, and consequently I have very little to say about it, well sung, well written, well played, and has a real mind-f--kingly catchy chorus. Maybe could have done with a little more diversity throughout the piece, as it is very formulaic in the way it is set out, and the solo is very cheesy, etc. (It was also great to here some slide guitar in there too, back from classic Skynryd) Rating 9/10
Southern Ways, take Simple Life, and replace the good old life with, good old state I came from. Also, a tad too similar to Sweet Home Alabama for my liking, and again, too much like bitching about where you are for my liking, though not quite as bad as the bitching in Simple Life, also nice to have a piano solo as well. Rating - 6.5
Now... Skynryd Nation, I really don't like this song, because it just... crap. A weak riff, a very poor backing vocal track, and an average chorus. Although, I think this song would be a lot better live. Okay, it's not crap, it's just totally average. In every way. My least favourite song on here, in terms of music, not lyrics as the words are actually quite good (well in the chorus at least).
Not got much else to say really, just nothing really to it. Rating 4/10
Okay, next we hit another good song, Unwrite That Song. I really like this song for a few reasons so it'll take me a while to go through it all, but first and foremost it really feels like a ballad, it's very effective at conveying the message. It has been pointed out to me many times by other reviewers that it sounds like Bruce Springsteen, which I believe is true, yet I think Bruce would have done a little better with the lyrics, which are what really lets this song down.
So, aside from the Bruce factor, which i'll talk about in a bit, this song really is superb, it has a nice, catchy riff and hook and comes off like a strong song. It just sounds like a hit, it is well produced and well written. Particularly the riff, which is harmonised throughout with the major 3rds, which is an obvious but effective trick to make something sound huge, as is the use of excessive reverb on everything. But dispite the over production, a very good piece.
Just briefly, on the note of Bruce, has anyone considered that is meant to mimic one of his songs, maybe it is a tribute, and that is the song that the lyrics speak of.
The worst thing about this piece is the lyrics, I mean, a song about bitching about how you could have done a better job than someone else with some lyrics? Well, to each is own I suppose.
HALFWAY POINT!!!
Okay, now we hit the second half of the album, the better half in my opinion, and it starts with my favourite song on the album, Floyd.
I love this song because it is so different, it takes a while to get used too, but its diversity sets it apart very well from the rest of the album. Rob Zombie does a brilliant job on the Vox, and the bluesy riff really captures the feel of the place the lyrics talk of. I think that the very best thing about it is the lyrics really fit the song. And it's very rare for a song to do that.
I also think the song very accurately captures the imagination of the listener, and makes you want to get up and do a crazy head-banging bluesy dance. In fact now I think about it, this is the only song which I really think successfully hits a few genres. An excellent job, I don't know who wrote this, but it really is fantastic.The only thing which brings this song down is, once again, over production. Let the raw power of Skynryd out for a change, but, I suppose it just goes back to trying to please the maximum audience, as there are a great many people who would hate a really raw song. Just a thought. Rating - 9.5/10
Now, we are into That Ain't My America, once again the lyrics are bitching about something, this time about unpatriotic people, who are clearly total wankers for wanting to change America in any way at all. Despite the unbelievably forced message, i really respect that Van Zant is trying to get across a point through song, although in a less bitchy way would be nice. It's the Simple Life factor again my friends, he wants things to be like they used to be. 'Cos it Ain't his American no more, and he don't like it, so it's f--king shit. End of argument. Hmmm, not sure I agree, but I could let that slide, until we hit the huge problem in the album, coming very soon.
I'd like to stay again, I don't hate this song, it has good guitar, good Vox, it is just the lyrics are a tad on the bitchy side... again. Rating - 8.5
Next, Coming back for more, just read what I said for Still Unbroken and Little Thing I call You, as they are very similar, by this time I was getting bored with the similarities between the songs, so I'll keep it quick, it's a standard (boring) layout, good, chunky riffs, catchy chorus, over produced, nice solo etc. you know the drill by now.
Okay, if you have really followed me through this whole review, you'll have a good idea of what pisses me off, and so may have an idea what I have to say about this song, and I am going to pick this to f--king pieces to get my point across, because it f--king angers me, thats right my lovelies it's God & Guns.
Right, to start lets look at the lyrics, because that is what a hate about it, then i'll tell you why else it really pisses me off.
So it starts fine, about a politician who he disagrees with, a little bit bitchy (again, how about some pro-life stuff, or something you like?) but we've got used to all the bitching going on in this album, so it's all fine.
Next lines are "I don't know how he grew up, But it sure wasn't down at the hunting club" firstly Donnie Van Zant wasn't raised around a hunting club either, secondly, and most importantly, I total oppose the hunting of animals, so by verse 2 I'm pissed that he is saying the hunting club is good, as I cannot see the good in killing (but I digress, I'm english and we all love animals, this is not a place for me to be bias).
So i'm already pissed, then comes the one which really f--king got me fired up "Cause if it was he'd understand just a little bit more about the working man" Okay, how the f--k are you a working man? You are a f--king rich bastard, what do you know about the 'working man' nowadays, if you haven't been one for the past 30 years? Also, this negatively stereotypes the lower classes, implying they all are religious, trigger happy rednecks.
Next "God and guns. Keep us strong" How does a gun keep you strong? I can sort of see where your coming from, with the whole God thing, but guns? Guns kill be people dude, and if you need that power to feel strong you have serious confidence issues.
"That's what this country was founded on" A good point, we often forget America was formed in the name of God by slaughtering millions of peaceful people, and they certainly couldn't have killed them so quickly without guns, plus guns make loud noises, which is really cool.
I could go through the whole song, but you get the idea, now the second biggest problem I have with this song, is that is really good. It has great guitar, great singing, an original structure (HORAY!!) a nice build up to the end, a great solo, and drive. It also has fantastic beat to it, it stays in your head without being too cheesy, it's, the best musical song on the album. Which f--king sucks.
So, the lyrics and my principles mean I can't enjoy the would-be best song on the album, damn. Still, I am not bias, so i'll rate it fairly, based on everything. 9/10 (sigh)
Now, as I have the Premo-english version of this album, I cannot make a statement about the last two songs, but I have probably done enough writing anyway. Please make your way to the final section for my conclusion. // 8
Impression: Look, I've said all I can about this album, but in the end it's your choice, I would recommend buying it, as it is very good. What lets it down is it's bitchy tone throughout the lyrics, and the repetitiveness of tracks, as well as its over production.
All in all I'll give it an 8/10, and I haven't actually mentioned one thing at all yet, which is the talent that these musicians have. They are all fantastic, weather you like it or not one has to admire the skill of the new Lynryd Skynryd, sure they'll never be the old Skynryd but at least we have something to listen too on long journeys, and something to review on nights when you should be out but have a broken leg.
This is Will from England, Hope you found this review useful. // 8
God & Guns
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 15, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: I just read another reveiw on this album which seems to suggest that it isn't that good..I got the album on a day before it was actually realsed, because HMV sold it on the 28th instead of the 29th for some reason. Also I got a two disc version of it. disc two just contains three live songs and three other songs.
You cannot listen to this album and then compare it to what Lynyrd Skynyrd used to be like because the line-up has changed so much. The album is more headed towards harder rock (not saying it is hard rock - just harder than is expected from Lynyrd Skynyd) which I think is excelent. Not all the songs are harder than old syknyrd such as gifted hands unwrite that song. There is one song on the album however, southern ways, which sounds like a bad copy of Sweet Home Alabama.
It gets a 9/10 because of the bad copy of Sweet Home Alabama. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Gifted Hands - One of the least obvious important lyric is when it says " he played the BIRD, he played it for FREE" and anyone can see that they intentionally had those words so close together to refer to thier best ever song, in my opinion, free bird.
In Simple Life the lyrics speek about how he likes to spend time with his familly.
God & Guns - this is all about how people (Maybe including Lynrd Skynrd) in Alabama live. For you probably know that Alabama is a very religous country. that explains the God part. Guns comes from the way that in Alabama lots of people have guns. They carry them to shoot sign posts and grizzly bears which attack them.
there are many more Christian and other important lyrics thorugh the album. Over all I'd say the lyrics are very good as is the singer, Johnny van Zant. // 10
Impression: When uncle listened to it he compared it to Bruce Springsteen. I can kind of see what he is saying but there is a big difference between the two. However, his tone whilst singing is more or less the same.
I wouldn't be able to say what song was the best on the album because they are all great. So I shall list them and rate them out of ten and comment on some.
Still Unbroken - 8/10 Simple Life - 9/10 little Thing Called You - 8/10 Southern Ways - 7/10 Skynyrd Nation - 7/10 -this is the worst but is still amazing. Unwrite That Song - 10/10 - one of the best Floyd - 10/10 - kind of a scary song. about a guy called floyd who had a lab which two old dogs never came out the same way of. also all the peole apparantly say aye aye aye and the floyds gone home. Also competes for the top spot. That Ain't My America - 9.5/10 - really good Comin' Back For More - 10/10 - the hardest song on the album. God & Guns - 8/10 Storm - 9/10 - the singing sounds like the singing in Wishing Well by Free Gifted Hands - 10/10 - I have persuaded my Church to use this during one of thier sevices.
Disc two (when I say this is the worst/best song on disc one I have not compared them to this CD because disc 1 is better)
Bang Bang - 7/10 Raining in my heartland - 10/10 - should be on disc 1 Hobo Kinda Man - 6.75/10 Red, White and Blue (Live) - 9/10 Call Me The Breeze (Live) - 8/10 Sweet Home Alabama (Live) - 8/10 - no where near as good as the proper version. // 10
im actually disappointed. i mean half of the band died in a plane crash. they should have stopped their. this isnt Lynyrd skynyrd, even though it's the name of the band
It’s been about 22 years since Ronnie Van Zant’s passing in an airplane crash,
does anyone else notice what's wrong with this?
Yeah, shouldn't that be 32 years?
Anyway, i've only heard one song from this album (the title track) and it imediatly alienates me from this album as i refuse to support a band who hold these beleifs by spending money on thier album and in turn giving them an output for said beleifs, the lyrics are not only completely illinformed
"God and guns
Keep us strong
That's what this country
Was founded on "
The vast majority of the founding fathers were not Christians as assumed here.
(Source: http://skeptically.org/thinkersonreligion/id9.html)
but completely cheesy and i cannot take them seriously.
Then again maybe my problem is i am taking it too seriously, i'll listen to the album if i can so for free but i wont be supporting the band with my money.
Good review though besides that one mistake on the years as pointed out.
It’s been about 22 years since Ronnie Van Zant’s passing in an airplane crash,
does anyone else notice what's wrong with this?
Yeah, shouldn't that be 32 years?
Anyway, i've only heard one song from this album (the title track) and it imediatly alienates me from this album as i refuse to support a band who hold these beleifs by spending money on thier album and in turn giving them an output for said beleifs, the lyrics are not only completely illinformed
"God and guns
Keep us strong
That's what this country
Was founded on "
The vast majority of the founding fathers were not Christians as assumed here.
(Source: http://skeptically.org/thinkersonreligion/id9.html)
but completely cheesy and i cannot take them seriously.
Then again maybe my problem is i am taking it too seriously, i'll listen to the album if i can so for free but i wont be supporting the band with my money.
Good review though besides that one mistake on the years as pointed out.
Off Wiki: The title of the album (and its title track) is a reference to a speech Barack Obama gave in San Francisco deriding small town America for clinging to their “God and Guns”.[3]
It’s been about 22 years since Ronnie Van Zant’s passing in an airplane crash,
does anyone else notice what's wrong with this?
The fact that it doesn't mention Steve Gaines or Cassie Gaines dying, as if only the front man mattered.
That being said, Skynyrd should not b touring or recording anymore. Only Rossington is in the band now. Two of the guitarists, the pianist, singer, drummer and bassist pre-crash are no longer with the band, or dead.
It's capitalizing on the band's name and songs. Wasn't Skynyrd supposed to have been disbanded, and the touring only a temporary memorial thing?
It's sick.
I think Lynyrd Skynyrd's older music was better. It had the edginess with powerful lyrics and beats. Although I do like some of the songs on "God & Guns", it just seems like Lynyrd Skynyrd is losing their touch.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
Absolutely true, though some songs on the market with deep lyrics might also be nice. I know they are there, but it's hard to find them
So Skynyrd is emphasizing the second amendment now?
Anybody remember "Saturday Night Special"?
"Hand guns are made for killin
Aint no good for nothin else
And if you like your whiskey
You might even shoot yourself
So why dont we dump em people
To the bottom of the sea
Before some fool come around here
Wanna shoot either you or me"
So Skynyrd is emphasizing the second amendment now?
Anybody remember "Saturday Night Special"?
"Hand guns are made for killin
Aint no good for nothin else
And if you like your whiskey
You might even shoot yourself
So why dont we dump em people
To the bottom of the sea
Before some fool come around here
Wanna shoot either you or me"
Seems like a pretty big transition to me.
Same exact thing I think whenever I hear that song and when I read this.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
alkalineweeman wrote:
The vast majority of the founding fathers were not Christians as assumed here.
(Source: http://skeptically.org/thinkersonreligion/id9.html)
[/quote ]
I'm not being sarcastic when writing that I'm glad to see that people are learning to quote their sources, I admire that. The problem is that the site you gave looks to be completely unreliable.
[quote]rahnercore wrote:
So Skynyrd is emphasizing the second amendment now?
Anybody remember "Saturday Night Special"?
"Hand guns are made for killin
Aint no good for nothin else
And if you like your whiskey
You might even shoot yourself
So why dont we dump em people
To the bottom of the sea
Before some fool come around here
Wanna shoot either you or me"
Seems like a pretty big transition to me.
R.I.P. to the REAL Lynyrd Skynyrd
A "Saturday Night Special" is basically a poor-mans handgun. [1]
They are primarily used for crime, and I think that is what Ronnie was talking about.
He specifically references Handguns and Pistoles; he never references rifles. The first verse describes a theft scenario, and the second verse describes a drunk scenario. Handguns were not invented for hunting. I don't think you can kill a deer with a handgun. I think this song is addressing handguns themselves.
If you want to reference lyrics as-well, you could take a look at the song "Mississippi Kid". [2]
I love this album, although it feels more country, just go with it. They didn't give us the exact skynyrd we wanted, but it doesn't mean the music isn't great. I really enjoy the music and the lyrical content. I guess i'm a part of "love 'em" between the love 'em or hate 'em bit.
alkalineweeman wrote:
The vast majority of the founding fathers were not Christians as assumed here.
(Source: http://skeptically.org/thinkersonreligion/id9.html)
[/quote ]
I'm not being sarcastic when writing that I'm glad to see that people are learning to quote their sources, I admire that. The problem is that the site you gave looks to be completely unreliable.
[quote]rahnercore wrote:
So Skynyrd is emphasizing the second amendment now?
Anybody remember "Saturday Night Special"?
"Hand guns are made for killin
Aint no good for nothin else
And if you like your whiskey
You might even shoot yourself
So why dont we dump em people
To the bottom of the sea
Before some fool come around here
Wanna shoot either you or me"
Seems like a pretty big transition to me.
R.I.P. to the REAL Lynyrd Skynyrd
A "Saturday Night Special" is basically a poor-mans handgun. [1]
They are primarily used for crime, and I think that is what Ronnie was talking about.
He specifically references Handguns and Pistoles; he never references rifles. The first verse describes a theft scenario, and the second verse describes a drunk scenario. Handguns were not invented for hunting. I don't think you can kill a deer with a handgun. I think this song is addressing handguns themselves.
If you want to reference lyrics as-well, you could take a look at the song "Mississippi Kid". [2]
yea i can buy that interpretation of the song. this song does seem to only focus on throwaway pistols.
now to my point - i disagree with anyone who thinks the core viewpoints on this band have changed.
if you think they were honestly anti-gun, then you have never heard "gimme back my bullets."
and if you think they were never borderline country sounding, have you never heard "comin home" or "all i can do is write about it?"
i think a lot poeple aren't really even familiar with the band but because songs like Free Bird and Simple Man have become fashionable again they feel like they have to be fans. but i doubt they've ever bought an album or even downloaded a song besides the popular radio plays.
personally, i would never have been able to see Skynyrd live if Johnny and the rest didnt pick up the reins and keep the band together. That was my first concert when i was 12. and I still get goosebumps remembering the feeling of seeing "That Smell" live. and then when the crowd called for Free Bird and the band rushed back onto the stage after pretending to start packing up to leave, i have no words for that encore performance.
now, I am not gonna argue when you say their new stuff just isnt the same. and it never will be. Steve and Ronnie can never be replaced.
but lots of bands die out and fade away, some bands just survive, but only a precious few are able to do what Skynyrd did. and you should only respect them more for it.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
lolololol
Connies today are being very amusing.
GD isn't socialist buddy. I doubt you've ever heard a socialist band in your life.
very wel written alkalineweeman. As a melody i quite like that song, but as with you I find the lyrics very ignorant and rediculous.
Just like I find Eddie Vedder ignorant and ridiculous, but that doesn't take away the fact that I think Pearl Jam's first three albums are great. How come with liberals it's about our right to express our views, but with conservatives like Ted Nugent and Lynyrd Skynyrd it's "They need to stick to the music." Completely hypocritical if you ask me.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
Greenday? Socialist?
No, they're not socialist. They're just overrated musicians, corny lyricists and a terrible band. And as far as being "political activists"... well, that's a joke and anyone who takes Green Day seriously as political activists are even bigger jokes.
I agree with you 100%. That's pretty much sums up what I was trying to point out (without saying it point blank). For some reason people seem to hold up Ronnie as a anti-gun activist.
bmarlatt1685 wrote:
jonnyharris1 wrote:
very wel written alkalineweeman. As a melody i quite like that song, but as with you I find the lyrics very ignorant and rediculous.
Just like I find Eddie Vedder ignorant and ridiculous, but that doesn't take away the fact that I think Pearl Jam's first three albums are great. How come with liberals it's about our right to express our views, but with conservatives like Ted Nugent and Lynyrd Skynyrd it's "They need to stick to the music." Completely hypocritical if you ask me.
I've seem to notice this trend as-well...
All in all, it's a great record... I hate to say it, but probably one of my favorite... *gasp!* An album not from the "original" band?? BLASPHEMY!
First of all, “Saturday Night Special” was written about handguns not all guns. As stated by Ronnie and Johnny in many interviews, the only thing handguns are good for is killing and crime, you can’t go hunt a deer or other game with a handgun, it just doesn’t work. Skynyrd has always been pro 2nd amendment; but rifles and long barrels, not pistols/handguns. Second, the song “Gimme Back My Bullets” is in no way a reference to guns. Its about getting songs back on the Billboard charts, getting hit songs again. Third, anyone who says this “isn’t real Skynyrd” or “Ronnie is rolling over in his grave” or that the band should have stopped when the plane crashed is just ignorant and doesn’t deserve to call themselves a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Listen to “God & Guns” “Unwrite That Song” and “Simple Life” and then go back into the “Original” Skynyrds catalog and listen to “Mississippi Kid” “Am I Losin” “Made In The Shade” “Swamp Music” or “I’m A Country Boy” and tell me they don’t sound similar lyrically and musically. Gary took over the band physically and metaphorically when Ronnie died and he is continuing in the direction Ronnie would want. Ronnie said in an interview once that he, Gary and Allen were so close and similar that only one of them had to be there when a decision was needed because they all knew what the other would want, and Gary is doing precisely what the original band would want
... how about bands, or anyone in general who has no idea what they are talking about, not talk about politics?.. and yes. i am conservative. and angry about the lack of good lyrics that dont totally contradict what i believe in
its kind of expected to not be as great as their original stuff, i mean srsly how many other bands with the exception of U2 really last so long anyway? But i still think they shouldnt call themselves Lynyrd Sknyrd...theyre not Lynyrd Skynyrd, just like Guns n' Roses right now, totally different band set up. All they do by keeping the original name is get criticized and compared with the original band, u can meet or exceed the expectations of being someone you're not.
why is this band putting out more albums? it will never be what they used to. theres like what three or four of the original members that are dead. we just heard of two die this year.
Yall say only one original member is still with the band? Am I the only person that knows that Rickey Medlocke left skynyrd before they got big to form Blackfoot, and now hes back?
Much credit to you, Branch37 for knowing that Rickey was in the band before they made it big, unfortunately him being an “original” member is debatable because of that fact. It could be argued either way but in the end the facts are that Rickey grew up with them and was there in the same situations as them through all the times they write about in their songs, so he can be considered original
very wel written alkalineweeman. As a melody i quite like that song, but as with you I find the lyrics very ignorant and rediculous.
Just like I find Eddie Vedder ignorant and ridiculous, but that doesn't take away the fact that I think Pearl Jam's first three albums are great. How come with liberals it's about our right to express our views, but with conservatives like Ted Nugent and Lynyrd Skynyrd it's "They need to stick to the music." Completely hypocritical if you ask me.
Not hypocritical in the least, i very much doubt you'd find a gun toting, god fearing, Christian red-neck buying say a Leftover Crack record on account that they are anti-religious, anti-homophobic and anti-gun (if you even hit back with "shoot the kids at school" or "one dead cop" you missed the point completely).
It's a simple fact that i would not send a donation to the KKK or any Christian church because i don't beleive their veiws and dont want to effectivly sponsor their message.
Just because Lynyrd Skynyrd are musicians doesn't change the fact that by buying their record i would be supporting their ideals which i wouldn't want spread to my children as i find them ignorant just the same as some one who shares their views wouldn't support a movement to have religion (in any form) or gun ownership abolished.
Rebuttle over i have strayed way too far off topic on this record.
I wish Rickey Medlocke would quit this red-neck crap and reunite with Blackfoot, even though Jackson Spires is now with The Great Spirit in the Sky. Blackfoots "No Reservations" album is hard rock at its best.
I agree with all the people pointing out how hypocritical it is for reviewers to focus on the politics of Lynyrd Skynyrd when so many bands espouse a constant rant of left wing garbage without comment.
I love this new album. Those of you that do not like this album just because members died. I think that is a bad reason to not like this album.I know its sad and noone will ever take the place or ronnie, or billy, or steve and so on.I think people need to keep an open mind about this album. and i love the point the band is getting across lyrically. I think everyone needs to stop and truly listen to songs like god and guns or that aint my america, or simple life. I think this country would be a much better place if everyone did what thos lyrics said.
I think that the tune for every song is there.'ya know.country style.but only thing that doesn't make it good is that Lynyrd Skynyrd's solo doesn't seem clear.it's been..drowned by the drums and bass.
GD isn't socialist buddy. I doubt you've ever heard a socialist band in your life.
Anyone who isn't blatantly conservative is a socialist in my book. It's just easier that way for me. And if I haven't heard a real socialist band, then good for me! And someone later mentioned that Green Day was terrible. Outside of like 2 songs (one of which I can't even remember) they are terrible. Y'all just need to relax and listen to the music.
GD isn't socialist buddy. I doubt you've ever heard a socialist band in your life.
Anyone who isn't blatantly conservative is a socialist in my book. It's just easier that way for me. And if I haven't heard a real socialist band, then good for me! And someone later mentioned that Green Day was terrible. Outside of like 2 songs (one of which I can't even remember) they are terrible. Y'all just need to relax and listen to the music.
GD isn't socialist buddy. I doubt you've ever heard a socialist band in your life.
Anyone who isn't blatantly conservative is a socialist in my book. It's just easier that way for me. And if I haven't heard a real socialist band, then good for me! And someone later mentioned that Green Day was terrible. Outside of like 2 songs (one of which I can't even remember) they are terrible. Y'all just need to relax and listen to the music.
You certainly aren't helping the conservative image with your ignorance. It's quite sad you lump so many different political groups all into one category. In doing so, you often put in contradictory and opposing political viewpoints.
As for that being good for you, you yourself contradict this by saying that we "just need to relax and listen to the music" because apparently we should, but you don't have to.
What a bunch of liberal sounding weenies that y'all sound like! I am conservative as hell but I still own (and have paid for) music from Green Day and other blatant socialist bands. It's about the music, people! If it rocks, great! If it doesn't, then move on! If I dismissed a band for lame lyrics, I would have nothing to listen to anymore.
This is completely true. Not so sure about Green Day being socialist, though they are extremely liberal, but thats beside the point. If you cant appreciate music just because you disagree with the subject matter, then maybe someone so provincial should not listen to music (Im talking to you, alkalineweeman).
very wel written alkalineweeman. As a melody i quite like that song, but as with you I find the lyrics very ignorant and rediculous.
Just like I find Eddie Vedder ignorant and ridiculous, but that doesn't take away the fact that I think Pearl Jam's first three albums are great. How come with liberals it's about our right to express our views, but with conservatives like Ted Nugent and Lynyrd Skynyrd it's "They need to stick to the music." Completely hypocritical if you ask me.
Not hypocritical in the least, i very much doubt you'd find a gun toting, god fearing, Christian red-neck buying say a Leftover Crack record on account that they are anti-religious, anti-homophobic and anti-gun (if you even hit back with "shoot the kids at school" or "one dead cop" you missed the point completely).
It's a simple fact that i would not send a donation to the KKK or any Christian church because i don't beleive their veiws and dont want to effectivly sponsor their message.
Just because Lynyrd Skynyrd are musicians doesn't change the fact that by buying their record i would be supporting their ideals which i wouldn't want spread to my children as i find them ignorant just the same as some one who shares their views wouldn't support a movement to have religion (in any form) or gun ownership abolished.
Rebuttle over i have strayed way too far off topic on this record.
Me personally, I wouldn't want to have gun ownership or religion abolished, partly because I am a religious gunowner, but also because they are constitutional rights, just like the right to free speech which you seem so eager to abuse with your fascist dribble. Anyway, bottom line: Dont compare a church with the KKK, read a bible(not saying you have too, just a suggestion), not every conservative is a gun-toting redneck, nor are they homophobic(I disagree with homosexuality, but I dont judge), and I look forward to you bashing me in your reply, and showing how ignorant you truly are.
I think that the tune for every song is there.'ya know.country style.but only thing that doesn't make it good is that Lynyrd Skynyrd's solo doesn't seem clear.it's been..drowned by the drums and bass.
You know Lynyrd Skynyrd isnt the name of a person in the band, right?
Yall say only one original member is still with the band? Am I the only person that knows that Rickey Medlocke left skynyrd before they got big to form Blackfoot, and now hes back?
No, your not the only one, although I think most people associate Medlocke with Blackfoot more than Skynyrd, he was there in the early days.
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