The Walkabouts - New West Motel

bsaren

Review by Ben Saren

New West Motel by The Walkabouts: A Genre-Blurring Gem from 1993 Released in 1993, New West Motel by The Walkabouts is a fascinating blend of rock, pop/rock, and alternative styles that feels as timeless today as it did back then. With its roots firmly planted in alternative country-rock, indie rock, and a touch of Americana, this album manages to carve out its own space across genres. It’s no wonder the record found audiences not just in the US but also in Germany, France, Greece, and beyond. Labels like Sub Pop, Glitterhouse Records, and Virgin France S.A. clearly saw something special here—and they weren’t wrong. The band’s lineup on New West Motel brings together an eclectic mix of instruments and talents. Carla Torgerson’s haunting vocals and guitar work anchor the sound, while Bruce Wirth adds layers with violin, steel guitar, mandolin, and even vibraphone. Glenn Slater sprinkles piano, organ, and “noises” (yes, that’s credited!) throughout, creating textures you don’t expect. And let’s not forget Michael Wells’ basslines and harmonica or Terri Moeller’s dynamic drumming and backing vocals—they’re all part of what makes this album so richly layered. Producer Ed Brooks deserves a shout-out for weaving these elements into something cohesive yet unpredictable. Two tracks stand out for me, both for different reasons. First up is "Like A Hurricane." This one hits hard right outta the gate. Its soaring melody paired with Chris Eckman’s evocative lyrics creates a vibe that’s equal parts melancholy and uplifting. You can almost picture driving through endless highways under stormy skies—it’s cinematic without being overblown. Then there’s "Snake Mountain Blues," which leans more into the country-rock side of things. The twangy guitars and mournful harmonica give it a raw edge, like a dusty old tale told around a campfire. These songs stick because they balance storytelling with emotion, never feeling forced or overly polished. One thing I appreciate about New West Motel is how unafraid it is to experiment. Sure, some tracks lean heavier on one genre than another, but that’s kinda the point. The Walkabouts aren’t trying to fit neatly into any box; instead, they’re crafting their own little universe where rock meets folk meets alt-country. Even the artwork—designed by Tony Kroes with photography by Kevin Gibson—feels like it belongs to this same world: gritty, authentic, and slightly offbeat. Looking at the credits, it’s clear everyone involved poured their heart into this project. From Günter Pauler’s mastering to Ben Thompson’s digital design tweaks, every detail matters. Heck, even the fact that someone thought to credit “noises” shows how much care went into capturing the album’s unique atmosphere. Reflecting on New West Motel, it strikes me how rare albums like this are nowadays. Back in ’93, bands had room to explore weird ideas and cross-pollinate genres without worrying too much about marketability. Listening to it now feels like stepping into a time capsule—but not in a nostalgic way. More like rediscovering a forgotten treasure chest full of surprises. If anything, it reminds us that great music doesn’t need to follow trends. Sometimes, breaking rules leads to magic. Oh, and fun fact? Track titles like "Glad Nation's Death Song" popping up twice might make you double-check your playlist. But hey, maybe that’s intentional—like life looping back on itself. Or maybe someone just hit repeat by accident. Either way, it works.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-walkabouts-new-west-motel.zip
  • MP3 size: 172.5 mb
  • FLAC size: 1377.7 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Glad Nation's Death Song4:21
Break It Down Gently3:36
Jack Candy4:41
Grand Theft Auto5:41
Your Hope Shines4:14
Snake Mountain Blues5:47
Findlay's Motel6:36
Unholy Dreams5:21
Sweet Revenge5:44
Your Hope
Yesterday Is Here
Drag This River4:2
Wondertown, Pt. 101:23
Findlay's Motel
Glad Nation's Death Song
Wondertown
Sundowner3:38
Prisoner Of Texas
Wondertown (Part One)1:23
Long Time Here4:19
Glad Nation's Death
Like A Hurricane
Murdering Stone3:18

Video

The Walkabouts - Drag This River

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • SPCD 81/252
  • GRCD 252
  • 077778706021
  • SP 81/252
  • CMD-028

Labels

  • Sub Pop
  • Ποπ + Ροκ
  • Glitterhouse Records
  • Creativeman Disc
  • Labels, Virgin France S.A.

Listen online

  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ouvir online
  • online luisteren
  • escuchar en línea
  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
  • lytte på nettet
  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea

Formats

  • 2 × Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album
  • Test Pressing
  • White Label
  • 2 × CD
  • Special Edition
  • CD
  • Promo
  • Reissue
  • Cassette

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Sub Pop
Copyright (c)Fire & Skill Publishing
Distributed ByVirgin France S.A.
Published ByFire & Skill Publishing
Pressed ByEMI Uden
Engineered AtClearwater Productions
Mastered AtPauler Acoustics
Manufactured ByOptimal Media GmbH

Credits

RoleCredit
BassMichael Wells
HarmonicaMichael Wells
DrumsTerri Moeller
PercussionTerri Moeller
VocalsTerri Moeller
PianoGlenn Slater
OrganGlenn Slater
NoisesGlenn Slater
AccordionGlenn Slater
ProducerConrad Uno (tracks: D1 to D3), Ed Brooks (tracks: A1 to C5), The Walkabouts, Tony Kroes (tracks: D1 to D3)
ViolinBruce Wirth
MandolinBruce Wirth
VibraphoneBruce Wirth
Acoustic GuitarCarla Torgerson
Electric GuitarCarla Torgerson
Backing VocalsTerri Moeller
Steel GuitarBruce Wirth
DesignBen Thompson
EngineerEd Brooks
Lyrics ByChris Eckman (tracks: 1 to 11, 13, 14)
PaintingTony Kroes
PerformerMichael Wells
Lap Steel GuitarBruce Wirth
Photography ByKevin Gibson , Tony Kroes
Written-ByThe Walkabouts (tracks: 1 to 11, 13, 14)
Design [Cover DesignTony Kroes
Analog]Tony Kroes
Digital]Ben Thompson
Mastered ByGünter Pauler

Notes

  • Edition with 2 CD (New West Motel + EP Jack Candy)
  • PROMO
  • Slimcase with different cover from commercial release
  • 'Not for sale, promotion only' printed on CD
  • With liner notes in Greek and slightly different artwork all around.
  • Given free with the 244th issue of Ποπ&Ροκ magazine, on September 1999.
  • 8-page panel booklet with lyrics, credits and pic
  • On back cover and disc:
  • All songs © 1993 Fire & Skill Publishing (BMI) administrated by Bug Music, Inc., except
  • Track 12 © Columbine Music Inc. (ASCAP)
  • Made in Holland
  • On booklet:
  • Produced November / December 1992.
  • Engineered at Clearwater, Gig Harbor, WA and Bad Animals, Seattel, WA.
  • On disc:
  • ℗ 1993 Sub Pop
  • Sticker on front cover: Includes 3 bonus tracks not on cd.
  • © 1993 Fire & Skill Publishing (BMI) administered by Bug Music, Inc., except track C3 © Columbine Music Inc. (ASCAP), track D1 © Jalma Music, administered by Ackee Music, Inc. (ASCAP) and track D2 © Silver Fiddle (ASCAP)
  • Made in Germany
  • "Mastered by Günter Pauler" credit and "Mastered at Pauler Acoustics" are denoted from runout identifiers, and not listed in the back cover.
  • German Edition

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): EFA DoLP-08252 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): EFA DoLP-08252 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side C): EFA DoLP-08252 C
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side D): EFA DoLP-08252 D
  • Barcode (Text): 0 718750 825223
  • Barcode: none
  • Barcode (Scanned): 077778706021
  • Barcode (Text): 0 77778 70602 1
  • Price Code (Boxed): PM 520
  • Rights Society: Biem / Stemra
  • Matrix / Runout: EMI 7870602 01) 1-1-1-NL
  • Barcode (Text): 0 718750 825216
  • Label Code: LC 8323
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A, etched): EFA DOLP -08252 A Dmm G. Pauler
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B, etched): EFA DOLP - 08252 B Dmm G. P.
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side C, etched): EFA DOLP - 08252 C G. P.
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side D, etched): EFA DOLP - 08252 D Dmm G. P.
  • Barcode: 0 718750 825223
  • Matrix / Runout: BOD ELDORADO GR 252
  • Barcode: 4015698071825
  • Rights Society: GEMA
  • Barcode: 4 030433 025222
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L357
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 5223
  • Barcode: 7 23248 30452 4
  • Barcode (Scan): 718750825223
  • Matrix / Runout: BOD EFA 08252

About The Walkabouts

Folk-Rock group from Seattle, USA, formed 1984. They took the name The Walkabouts after the movie Walkabout by Nicolas Roeg from 1971. Line-up: Chris Eckman (vocals, guitar); Carla Torgerson (vocals, guitar); Michael Wells (bass); Terri Moeller (drums); Glenn Slater (keyboards).

Name Vars

  • Walkabouts

Members

  • Carla Torgerson
  • Fred Chalenor
  • Chris Eckman
  • Terri Moeller
  • Joe Skyward
  • Glenn Slater
  • Bruce Wirth
  • Michael Wells
  • Grant Eckman
  • John Baker Saunders

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: The Walkabouts' album *New West Motel*, released in 1993, is like a musical melting pot. It blends genres like Alternative Rock, Country Rock, and even Alternative Country-Rock, creating a sound that feels both raw and polished. What’s fascinating is how the band used such a wide range of instruments—mandolin, steel guitar, vibraphone, and even accordion—to craft their unique vibe. And get this: the same person, Michael Wells, played both bass and harmonica, while Terri Moeller handled drums, percussion, and backing vocals. The album was released in multiple countries, from Germany to Greece, showing just how universal its appeal was. Plus, it was produced by Ed Brooks, who also worked as the engineer, ensuring every detail was just right. Not bad for an indie rock record!

Comments

utstudentaffairs
2025-03-16
ΚΩΩΩΩΜΜΑΤΑΡΑΑΑΑΑ!!!