• Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Apr 14, 2009
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Uncut
    Apr 6, 2012
    80
    The Sadies are one of the finest backing bands around, and team up adroitly with John Doe to produce a cracking set of country classics. [May 2012, p.71]
  2. Plenty of rock singers have tried to honor the sound and traditions of period honky tonk music over the years, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one who sounds as ineffably right singing this stuff as John Doe, and Country Club is a casual, no-frills masterpiece.
  3. Mojo
    80
    The Canadian quartet have long proved their sidemen chops, and sound as good on honky tonk, back-porchers or country ballads. [May 2009, p.101]
  4. He's certainly comfortable with the material, and his worn-leather voice conveys an unexpected tenderness that adds spirited desperation to opener 'Stop the World and Let Me Off,' gritty regret to ''Til I Get It Right,' and aching vulnerability to 'Help Me Make It Through the Night.'...The Sadies know just when to step forward or back, creating a general bootgazer ambience.
  5. The result of all this is a tribute to country songs these artists love. But on close listen, these versions are less twangy, in voice and accompaniment than the originals.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. VaughnA
    May 27, 2009
    5
    I was really looking forward to this album, hoping for another Knitters-style record, however, it rarely catches fire. Too faithful versions I was really looking forward to this album, hoping for another Knitters-style record, however, it rarely catches fire. Too faithful versions with not enough moxie from Doe or The Sadies. Go back to the original songs and skip this. Full Review »
  2. SteveS
    May 9, 2009
    8
    John Doe's voice is so suited to these country standard that you gotta wonder why it took him so long to do it. And the Sadies make a John Doe's voice is so suited to these country standard that you gotta wonder why it took him so long to do it. And the Sadies make a terrific honky tonk back-up band. Full Review »