The Wanda Mountain Boys are a trio based out of Wood River, Illinois, consisting of baritone Claude Johnson, tenor Rod Hannis, and lead singer Gary O'Neal. Their history dates back several decades, with the current group beginning in the mid-1990's.
With their latest offering, "New Ship Sailing," the WMB give us a collection of straight-ahead southern gospel. Classics like "Sinner Saved By Grace" and "Where The Roses Never Fade" join new compositions by O'Neal such as "Well of Grace" and "Wrap Me In Your Arms."
The production could definitely be a little tighter. Each track has a different mix and quality to it, almost as if they are a mixture of pre-recorded tracks and budget-studio musicians. The vocals also are inconsistent, both in harmonies and in recording styles ("Wrap Me In Your Arms" is so overly-stacked that it almost sounds like a choir as opposed to a trio).
I will say, though, that although the vocals are less-than-perfect, I am happy to hear an album that is not so polished that it almost sounds fake. With the Wanda Mountain Boys, their singing may be imperfect, but it's pure; what you hear is what you get, warts and all.
Author: Kyle Boreing
| Author's Website: http://www.kyleboreing.com
Written: 04/03/2009
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 4
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Somtimes I just can't help myself. It's one of my good qualities and bad qualities all at the same time. However, I couldn't pass up at least commenting on the review of the latest effort by the Wanda Mountain Boys.
Sounds like Simon Cowell from American Idol gave this review of New Ship Sailin' by the Wanda Mountain Boys. Wow, I thought "This must be a bad project!" So I visited their website and listened to the samples and I was impressed. I did not see one favorable comment by the author, Kyle Boreing. (Unless you call his last paragraph favorable) Surely, there is something good to say about the Wanda Mountain Boys or is the purpose of this review to just pick apart the recordings and see how many faults can be found? I would say to the readers of this review, visit their website, order their CD and/or listen to their samples, then decide for yourself and enjoy it and be blessed as I was! Keep singin' Wanda Mountain Boys! JERRY
I did the same thing. If I was going to have a criticism, it would be that the mix on the two songs I heard on their site was not as good as it could have been, but as far as the musicians and the singers, I'd say they were pretty good.... but then, no one has asked me to rate CDs.... They know I'll buy them so why send 'em to me for free??? lol
Please realize, that by presenting a review of a CD, I am merely giving my own personal opinion of a recording project. A negative review doesn't mean that I am putting down an artist. I am offering a critique of the work they have produced.
"...is the purpose of this review to just pick apart the recordings and see how many faults can be found?"
To an extent, yes. As a reviewer, I feel it necessary to note the good and bad aspects of a recording. If the bad outweigh the good, then that's what I write.
I also don't give every artist or every project the same standards for reviews. I take multiple aspects into consideration. In this case, based upon what I know about the artist and the album, I feel that I gave a fair critique. I have nothing against the Wanda Mountain Boys in any way shape or form.
Everyone is welcome to disagree with me. You can't please everybody. In this particular case, I felt that
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