The Wilders, Throw Down (Rural Grit)

 

Dirk Powell produced this Kansas City string band, the sort that makes you wonder why every city doesn’t have a good honky-tonk band. They make old time country and swing sound so natural and effortless that it seems like everyone ought to be able to do this. They’re not so dazzlingly talented as to seem prodigious, and the songwriting seems artless. Then you realize no honky-tonk band in your town sounds this good and recognize their art.