CD Review: The Blackstone Valley Sinner's It's a Sin : # 1 Country Band in Rhode Island

The Blackstone Valley Sinners are the self-proclaimed "#1 Country Band in all of Rhode Island." Now, I must admit, it's far too easy to shy away from a release that's labeled 'Country Music.' There are far too many negative connotations: the awful clothing; the warped sense of American nationality; the arena rock philosophy; the blue collar demographic; and the list goes on. Yet, with the opening notes of The BVS' debut release, It's a Sin, my faith was reinstated-country music is, in fact, an artful form of music that can win over any listener.

The album picks up with an instrumental track with Rich Gilbert's badass Western guitar. It's a Sin features three instrumental tracks, all of which are extremely danceable and downright country, including "Pawtucket Pickup"- a personal favorite in terms of the clapping track programmed into the drum machine that plays to the track.
The Blackstone Valley Sinners are proud of their drum machine, openly admitting to using one. It's a unique philosophy, really; not only does it rationalize the minimalism involved in creating a country music beat, it breaks down the elements into separate, audible contributors.

The beats just might symbolize the Sinners themselves-they each bring a distinct flavor to the music. There's the aforementioned Rich Gilbert, who plays the dorbro, steel guitar, banjo, and (of course) the electric guitar. The legendary Slim Cessna is the lead vocalist and can sometimes be heard on guitar. And the beautiful Judithann, formerly of Slim's other band Slim Cessna's Auto Club, plays the upright bass and sings background vocals.

It's a Sin conveys more than just experience and experimentation on its 13 tracks. There are glorious overtones that focus on common metaphors of love, loss, and retribution. It's an album best listened to alone-it brings out a generous amount of emotion in its listeners-although it's just as easily played in the company of friends and family. It will please the crustiest of classic country fans just as easily as it will country's most resentful adversaries.

Key tracks include: "Angel," a saucy, swingin' tune that'll break your heart in more ways than one, "Lethal Injection," which features one of the sickest guitar licks ever brought to life by Rich Gilbert, "Cranston City Sinner," an excellent piece of poetry written by SCAC's main contributor Jay Munly (and adapted beautifully), and "Rainbows are Getting Back in Style," which puts out one of the most optimistic grooves ever imaginable.

I must admit: this CD is fun for the whole family. I even gave a copy to the redneck mother-in-law I barely ever talk to; she loved it, although I don't know how she feels about me.

Blackstone Valley Sinner's It's a Sin is a transcendental sound that relies on its raw production, its raw musical values, and its raw talent. Not only does it entertain, it educates-the true spirit of country music is still very much alive. Who would have thought it would reside in Rhode Island?