Who knew Taylor Hawkins could sing lead vocals? With this debut side project, the guy best known as the Foo Fighters’ drummer shows off a classic-rockin’, cigarette-stained rasp that’s stronger than his boss Dave Grohl’s. Plus he tears it up on the drum kit and is joined by a stellar backing band of bassist Chris Chaney (who’s played with Jane’s Addiction, Alanis Morissette, Rob Zombie and many more) and guitarist/backup vocalist Gannin. Together they plow through start/stop precision punk, mid-tempo Who-esque and rootsier rock and a couple mushier ballads. Regardless of the style, sweet harmonies and old school flavor dominate on Taylor’s tales of post-breakup blues and moving on with life. As a member of Foo Fighters, he’s been a part of many great songs/hit singles, but the band’s never put out a consistently great album. Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders is at least as good, more cohesive and just as sappy (at times) than anything Foo Fighters have done.
Heavy Rotation track: “Louise“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Walking Away“; “Pitiful“; “It’s OK Now“; “Get Up I Want to Get Down“; “Wasted Energy“
Grade: B+ (Slight chance of making my Top 20 Albums of 2006)

(As posted 2/27/06 on davepowersmusic.com)
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