Starving Winter Report (Bloodshot, 2006)

Should you ever read a review of this band that doesn't contain a reference to the Rolling Stones, please disregard it as pure fabrication. That's just how strong the connection between the sound and feel of the two bands is.

The difference is that the Deadstring Brothers sound exactly like the Stones would have if they'd taken "Wild Horses" and made it their signature song instead of "Street Fighting Man." There's no doubt that Kurt Marschke sounds more than a little bit like Mick Jagger. Vocally the band is sweet than the Stones thanks to the background work of Masha Marjieh. She really lends a great deal to the sound, especially on the opening "Sacred Heart," but really throughout the disc. There isn't even a mediocre song to be found here from the Detroit-based quintet. All 10 tunes are strong "Talkin' Barn Blues" stands out as the group's strongest departure here. While the Stones similarity will be the most striking on first pass, the depth of the writing and playing will make this disc a pleasurable visit long after that novelty has worn off.