• 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. 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.
  2. 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]
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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]
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 »