Music
Press
Unstable
The sophomore effort from J. D. Smith and the Three Legged Dog is gritty, homely and raucous, making it the perfect depiction of the rough and tumble landscape of the band’s northwest Montana origins. Recorded over two weeks last February in a remote cabin near Troy, Unstable draws from myriad genres—rock, country, folk and bluegrass—and delivers a lyrical candor many artists strive for, but few actually reach. The themes are tried and true, ranging from heartbreak and loneliness to introspection and rural living, but the music&m dash;for better or worse—never outdoes the storytelling. On “Ain’t Got No Home,” Smith finds a heady balance between the alt-country outlawry of Steve Earle and pop-twinge of Robert Earl Keen. “Montana Nights” channels The Gourds and serves as the musical standout. With “Stuck in the Moment” and “All Over But the Crying,” Smith and company generically expand into country rock. While Smith’s lyrics portray the Montana scene with a certain amount of geographic sincerity, there’s still plenty of room musically for The Three Legged Dog to fully realize its dramatic potential. But in the meantime, the view here is just fine.
By: Jonathan Stumpf
Missoula Independent
- Missoula Independent
Discography
1st CD=JD Smith and the Three Legged Dog "J.D. Smith and the 3 Legged Dog
2nd CD=JD Smith and the Three Legged Dog "Unstable"
Photos
Bio
About J.D. Smith and the 3 Legged Dog
Far from anywhere, but close to home are the Americana sounds of J.D. Smith and the 3 Legged Dog. Living in a tucked-away corner of NW Montana, the songwriting captures the raw emotion of an adventurous and intriguing life. J.D.'s strong and steely voice resonates with intense passion, while the Dog blends acoustic instrumentation with driving rhythms to create imminently danceable shows. With one leg firmly in rock and another in country, the music is often compared to alt-country pioneers Sunvolt with the edgy song writing of Steve Earl. In both his solo performances or when backed by the 3 legged dog, J.D. Smith rivets audiences with his incendiary performance and original style. The band is touring this winter and spring to promote their sophomore release, "Unstable", as well as laying the groundwork for their third album.
Links
