Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: http://www.palmettostatequartet.com
Thank God For a Song was my first real introduction to Palmetto State. Don't get me wrong, I've always been readily familiar with their radio releases, but I've never had a chance to really take in a full-length recording from the popular quartet. Palmetto State, like other traditional based groups like Dixie Echoes, Blackwood Brothers, Florida Boys, and others have never been a huge draw for me. I enjoy a great quartet in a live setting, but it was nothing that ever made want to come back repeatedly to listen to a recording from them.
With that being said, I knew what I was getting into when I popped in Thank God For a Song. From the immediate traditional intro of the Daryl Williams and Ben Storie penned "Reach For the Sky", I was drawn in by the quartet's striking harmonies and tight sound. They immediately keep things going with the traditional flavored "Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore." Admittedly, the group is tighter and more engaging on their upbeat numbers, but tenor Wesley Smith does a fantastic job of interpreting the first ballad "He's the Anchor of My Soul" (written by Shaun Weeks).
The next two tracks immediately took me by surprise. "Hopes Harbour" had a fantastic horn intro that really help propel the song from just another quartet number. Also, the Jim Davis penned "It Only Takes On" features a catchy country hook that feels a bit different from past Palmetto State songs. This is an extremely strong cut, and it works amazingly well as the group's first single - showing they are more than just a traditional quartet and can cut loose with the best of them. "Gone Fishin' (written by Ray Scarbrough) features a traditional quartet arrangement with a nice added touch of harmonica (played expertly by David Johnson) just to keep things interesting. The album closes with the cover of Andrae Crouch's "I've Got It" - another track that keeps things playful with it's modern country sound, a la the Oak Ridge Boys.
I have to admit that I was going into Thank God For the Song expecting mostly traditional songs and arrangements, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the quartet stepping out of the usual four-men-and-a-piano mold. It's a pleasant change of pace for the group. With the way that groups like the Dove Brothers, Gold City, and the Kingsmen have gone with a more decidedly country feel, it's no surprise to see other quartets go the same way. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a progressive album, but it does feature the Palmetto State Quartet trying new things, and it fits them well.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 08/01/2007
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 8
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I'm gonna have to get this CD.I love Burmans awsome bass vocals.I think one of his best was "THE EASTERN GATE" when he rocked The Dove Brothers.
Skull
Chris,
I disagree with the rating. When a group attempts to break from a stylistic rut as PSQ has done here, that's fantastic. That alone, though, isn't enough for a high rating.
When the Dove Brothers released _Anything But Ordinary, Everything But Typical_, it was universally rated high because it was a fresh sound AND they totally pulled it off in grand fashion. PSQ hasn't done that.
I REALLY like a couple of songs ("Reach For The Sky" and "It Only Takes One"), but rather than embracing that style with the rest of the CD, it's more hit and miss with standard arrangements.
For that reason, I wouldn't rate it any higher than 3 1/2 stars. Also, the vocal blend hasn't quite gelled yet with this new line-up, at least not on every song. Driving, "power vocals" suit this group, but the song selection limited them from doing much singing in that style.
—Making hay while the sun shines—
sgnforum@musicscribe.com - BLOG - SGHistory.com
If my review read to say that I gave them 4 1/2 stars because they took a chance musically, then I wrote it wrong.
I didn't give this recording that high a rating due to that, though I did commend them for trying new things. I feel like this is a high quality recording, excellent song choices and arrangements, and thought the blend was very good, especially for such a new group of vocalists.
I just thought it was a great recording. However, I had no previous efforts to base it on.
Chris,
I got that impression mostly from your closing paragraph...that you really liked this CD because they surprised you with a sound you weren't expecting.
That aside...do you honestly think the quality of this CD is equal (or nearly equal) to Gold City's _Revival_ or the Kingsmen's _Good Good God_? Can't tell precisely what you rated the Kingsmen when you reviewed it, but I'm assuming 4 1/2 or 5...and Gold City's was among your top choices last year. I'm hearing both of these similarly styled recordings as being at least a full star better.
Different tastes in music and what not, but I'm hearing some fundamental issues that prevent me from going higher on this CD.
—Making hay while the sun shines—
sgnforum@musicscribe.com - BLOG - SGHistory.com
Chris, your review was dead bang on! This is a very good CD from start to finish and I would certainly put it up there with The Kingsmen, Gold City, or The Dove Brothers! I think with there big sound, PSQ can only get better. On a similar note, there Quartet Favorites CD with the current lineup scored big with me as well! Very Smooth!!!
It's hard for me to believe that David is making such a fuss over one point. I see nothing wrong with Chris' review. The fact PSQ won him over speaks volumes to me.
Tony Partigianoni
http://www.ksgm.com/images/gospel.gif
Pure SGM & Quartet-Style Singing
http://www.ksgm.com
Chris you are exactly right. They are a fantastic quartet with a great sound. David missed the boat on this one. They are one of the most underrated groups out there today.
I see where David is coming from. The songs I've heard from the cd don't sound as if they are sung in complete unison. For instance, "Gone Fishin'" sounds sloppily put together. IMO-PSQ was much better when they were the 4 male and piano player style. They sounded more unified.
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