"4 STARS! In his last outing, O'Neill exorcised his demons, and this time around, he's celebrating a bit. The opening title cut has a country/funk groove that sounds like someone rode a horse through a Motown studio. The tempo keeps on rolling through Chance, a dobro and pedal steel enhanced piece of up-tempo country. While the next two cuts sound somewhat like throwbacks to the introspective tenor of his previous release, they're immediately followed by, Austin, good old FTB style of country chugging, and a delightful bit of pickin' on a rendition of Lowell George's Dixie Chicken. As was the case with from the beginning, O'Neill and his crew again display an unerring sense of what constitutes 'enough', the right amount of production, that lets the music be itself. And, lest anyone fear that the man has lost his touch for a beautiful ballad, Run to the Sea, with counterpoint provided by Nancy Apple, is probably the best cut on the disc. The CD ends with an acoustic take on the title cut, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition when repeat play is engaged; nice touch."
Don Grant, Freight Train Boogie,
"Sleeping Trout Music has just released Whos Bad Now - one of most prolific sounding Roots/Americana Country albums of 2006. This album features the songwriting and vocal genius of Michael Oneill and is tailor made for the Roots/Americana Country music enthusiast. Michaels songwriting is passionate and seems to reflect life as he has lived it. Passionate, playful, heartbreaking and explosive come to mind while listening to this CD. This is definitely not a run of the mill release and it covers the gamut of musical genres from Roots Rock to down home True Country. Whos Bad Now will take any music lover on one of the most enjoyable rides of their life."
Robert Bartosh, Roots Music Report GM,
"Michael ONeills soul is from the Lone Star State. His latest seamlessly slides from singer-songwriter, to country crooner, and on to rocked-up country with a detour into Cajun country for his cover of Little Feats Dixie Chicken. Thats something youd expect from a three-named Texas singer, not a songwriter from the Pacific Northwest. Highlights are 96 Tears (which isnt a ? and the Mysterians cover) and a road trip report, Austin, that captures the spirit of that city the same way that Marc Cohns hit Walking in Memphis took you to the River City."
Al Kunz, Playback:stl
"The 10 songs on his just-released record showcase Michael ONeill not only as a songwriter, but also as a performer. Released on Michaels own label, Sleeping Trout Records, Whos Bad Now and the single of the same name are going to hit the red dirt circuit by storm. "Whos Bad Now" is a rocking song that describes a girl who fills out a pair of jeans and can dance like she has a pole in her bedroom. I think most guys can relate. There are other great quality songs on the record as well. Cowboy Ride, Austin, and a cover of Little Feats Dixie Chicken are three of note. Michael is a grizzled veteran of the music business and has toured and recorded with just about everyone, including Stevie Ray Vaughan. On his website Michael describes his own music as coming at you like a freight train full of candy. Michael will be on a Texas tour soon. Look for dates and dont miss him live. We wont." Keith Howerton, Texas Music Times,
Ladylake Music Presents: Number 25 in UK Folk Juliet Gough- US TOUR 2010
UTICA NY- Utica Music & Arts Festival-Booked/Confirmed/ September 16-18th New Jersey-Radio Interview/show New Jersey- Six Flags Park- Live And Local-Now Scheduling Scranton PA-Breaking The Mold/Marywood University/Confirmed Philadelphia PA-Now Scheduling Nashville TN- Now Scheduling Houston TX- Shooting Stars Showcase- Now Scheduling Colorado- Now Scheduling Festival CA- Dates TBA WEST COAST-TBA
Howdy Michael and thanks for the friendship. Love your songs and the cool cowboy vibe on your page. I just finished a new song and uploaded it. It's called "The Cowboy Way" and deals with tough choces driven by human nature. Let me know how you like it. Be well and stay inspired. Dexter
Just listened to "Ain't Leavin Your Love" all the way through. Several times. Again. Trying to find the words to get around the solid feel it gave me, a mighty fine effort that seems effortless. Yeh, I can use that. More on Hickory Wind once I get things around the house settled, MAN what a month!!
Christmas is coming soon. Are you looking for a Christmas present and would like to help handicapped children? Than please request the list of donations in kind from HelpCharity, www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity , by sending me an e-mail at Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de . Many donations in kind are autographed.
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Christian
Founder of HelpCharity Editor & Journalist for Country Music Christian Lamitschka An der Pfingstweide 28 61118 Bad Vilbel Germany Phone: ++49 (0) 6101 544613 Mobil: ++49 (0) 171 6903352 E-Mail: Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de Internet: www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity Internet: www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka
HI Michael, Racketeers here I can get into that "AUSTIN" thats a good "cranking" song. keep cranking them out lkie that! The Racketeers CRANK too. With songs for the ladies! LATER MAN
