The Lights of Town (Self-released, 2000)

Any band that spotlights off-kilter guy/girl harmonies is bound to inspire comparisons to similar ones that have gone before, and the Heygoods line up pretty well behind a fair percentage of them. The Boston band is made up nprimarily of the husband-and-wife team of David and Katie Champagne on guitars and mandolin, with a handful of able country players in support.

The Heygoods draw an obvious comparison to John Doe and Exene Cervenka of X, as influenced by pure country rather than '70's California punk, or maybe Sonny and Cher fronting a more country flavored and penitent Rank and File. If there is an alt.country aspect to the Heygoods' presentation, it would be in the slightly skewed attitude and do-it-yourself-ethic that permeates the duo's arrangements. "Wicked" and "Big Black Dog" offer mind melds of Timbuk 3 and Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, while "Conscience" and the title cut suggest the Blood Oranges with considerably more twang.

David Champagne's songs are well-matched to their surroundings, and Katie's accompaniment gives them a touch that is both delicate and edgy. For the lo-fi country enthusiast, the Heygoods' natural charm and raw potential, like the Heygoods themselves, are a winning combination.