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Cody Beebe and the Crooks
Friends of the Old Mill, 2010

This new roots-rock album has compelling lyrics, musical variety, and an overall upbeat feel. Cody Beebe and the Crooks (most of whom are WSU alumni) offer up twelve tracks with titles such as “Nine to Chain,” “Change of Pace,” and “Hurricane,” a pleasing assortment of rock/jazz/funk songs that contrast nicely in their use of instruments and varying tempos. Guitar is prevalent throughout, but piano can also be heard here and there, often adding a jazzy or syncopated feel.

Some songs, such as “Nine to Chain” and “Much of Anything” incorporate fiddle and/or harmonica redolent of country music. The titles of the album’s songs don’t necessarily provide clues of how they will sound. “Fireworks” has a slower rhythm, while “Perfect Day” picks up the pace.

“Friends of the Old Mill” is one of those albums that you can listen to any day. Whether you want to relax to a mellow tune or are looking for an upbeat song to work out to, this album has it. These are seven talented musicians whose unique combination of instruments and beautiful harmonizing are definitely worth listening to.

Cody Beebe and the Crooks members are Cody Beebe ’08, Greg Floyd ’08, Tyler Paxton ’10, Chris Green ’08, Eric Miller ’06, Aaron Myers x’06, and Joe Catron.

 

Listen to “Nine to Chain” from Cody Beebe and the Crooks’ album:

 

Check out the band’s Bandcamp page.