"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,
New Billy Don Burns album THE BERLIN TAPES out now! Outlaw-Country at its finest, a must for fans of Waylon, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, David Allan Coe, etc.
hey michael really glad to hear you.. thanks for being a friend... i really dig your music and i'm thinking we might have a friend or two in common :) i'm in austin right now but i'll be back in l.a. for most of august, so i hope to catch one of your shows!! you rock! xo
Michael~Thank you for the add! Come on up for our Cowboy Poetry Gathering here in Heber City first week in November and play! All the best and continued success, Richard & Randy Ray
The album should be done early 2009...Lord willin' :-)
This month we have Regina Spektor with the theme to the film Prince Caspian (but don’t let that put you off, it is really rather wonderful), Mermaid Skeletons with a great song that’s worth it for the chorus alone, the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, who are as good as their name if not more so and finally the legendary Chip Taylor with the thought-provoking Former American Soldier. Great listening, and if you like the tracks, buy the albums!
Hey Michael: You know I love your music!! I'd love to hear you play in Nashville again. Please send me all info about what you're doing! Love, Suzette The Neon Angels
