Indiana’s Murder by Death? have been together since 2000 and throughout their various incarnations have managed to consistently grow a larger fan base with every album without alienating their core audience.

The evolution of Murder by Death’s albums has been an interesting one. Their 2002 release Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing was a strong effort but lacked the depth and substance of their later releases. Murder by Death? present their own unique take on Americana music in their use of cello instead of the more traditional banjo and harmonica. MBD manage not to get caught up or confused with the current pack of Americana darlings such as The Avett Brothers or Wilco largely due to their strong Johnny Cash inspired dark undertone. Even the most fun songs remain somewhat somber thanks to the impressive cello work by Sarah Balliet and Adam Turla’s baritone vocals.

Good Morning, Magpie is their fifth full length, and second album on Vagrant Records. It is a straightforward drinking album that you could easily see played start to finish at your favorite pub right along side any Pogues record. Good Morning… is a powerful and well-textured album and the band’s best effort to date. I know it’s early in the year but I think this will likely find its way on to many reviewers best of 2010 lists.

Songs such as “Kentucky Bourbon” and “As long as there is whiskey in
the world” leave the listener feeling like they are swaggering up to
the bar at an old west saloon ready to drown their sorrows in a drink or five. Anyone familiar with Murder by Death? knows that for all of the darkness of their music, they never fail to provide a song or two that you can’t help smiling at while singing along. On this CD, the tracks “yes” and “You don’t miss twice when you’re shaving with a knife” do not disappoint. Each manages to give happy delivery to subjects of murder and death.

Best Tracks: As long as there is whiskey in the world, Yes, and Foxglove