Album Review: "Country Roads" by Dennis Houlihan – A Folk-Country Gem That’ll Make You Smile
If you’re a fan of country music with a side of heartwarming nostalgia, Dennis Houlihan’s Country Roads might just be your next favorite listen. This album is like a warm hug from an old friend—albeit one who shows up unannounced but still brings great stories and decent snacks. Released under the label Concert Recording, it’s packed with tracks that feel like they’ve been plucked straight outta some dusty Americana dream.
Let’s talk about what makes this record tick. First off, the credits read like a who’s-who of talented musicians: Bob Smith on 5-string banjo (yep, he nails it), Mike Dana juggling guitars like a musical circus act, and Pete Schmidt keeping things groovy on drums and percussion. And let’s not forget Dennis himself tickling those electric organ keys like it owes him money. Oh, and props to Chuck Hoover for snapping photos good enough to make you wish you were there when this thing was recorded.
Now, onto the songs themselves. There are thirteen tracks here, each more charming than the last, but two stood out to me in particular—one for its sheer catchiness, and another because it made me laugh so hard I almost spilled my coffee.
First up: “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Yeah, yeah, we all know John Denver owns this song forever and ever, amen. But Houlihan gives it a fresh spin, leaning into the folk-country vibe without trying too hard to reinvent the wheel. The mandolin strums? Perfect. The harmonies? Heavenly. It’s the kind of cover that feels respectful yet personal, like borrowing your buddy’s leather jacket and adding a patch or two. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’ll find yourself singing along even if you swore you wouldn’t. Spoiler alert: You will.
Then there’s “Yakety Sax.” Look, I don’t care how serious you think you are—this track is pure chaos wrapped in joy. If you’ve ever seen The Benny Hill Show, you already know what’s coming: frantic saxophone runs that sound like someone accidentally stepped on a cat while chasing after a runaway chicken. Is it silly? Absolutely. Does it work? Weirdly, yes. It sticks out like a sore thumb among the softer ballads, but hey, sometimes you need a little ridiculousness to keep things interesting.
What really ties this whole project together is how effortlessly cozy it feels. These aren’t flashy studio productions; they’re raw, live recordings that capture the soul of a band clearly having fun. Bill Langford’s direction and Bill Johnson’s engineering deserve shout-outs for making sure everything sounds crisp without losing that human touch.
So, would I recommend Country Roads? Totally. It’s perfect for road trips, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a reminder that life doesn’t always have to be complicated to be beautiful. Plus, listening to “Yakety Sax” alone is worth the price of admission.
Final thought: If this album were a person, it’d probably wear flannel, drive a beat-up truck, and tell dad jokes at family gatherings. And honestly? We could all use more people—and albums—like that in our lives.
