Marshall Tucker Band - Beyond The Horizon

The Marshall Tucker Band is similar to The Allman Brothers Band in many ways. Both first became popular in the 70s. Both bands have changed their lineup many times. And both bands integrate elements of soul, blues and jazz into their southern twang. They differ in that The Allman Brothers Band rocks harder and sounds dirtier, while The Marshall Tucker Band appeals to a larger adult contemporary audience. Beyond the Horizon does not shake the earth or make John Mayer tolerable, but it does add 12 brand spankin’ new songs to the southern rock canon. Most tracks on the album are generic enough to please the musically aloof ear. The opener, “Ride of Your Life,” does not live up to its name, but it does enforce the jazzy grooves The Marshall Tucker Band frequently employs. “Texas on My Mind” is a less soulful and more jazz infused re-creation of Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” (A moment of silent please…) The least radio friendly song might just be “King of the Delta Blues” because of its gritty traditional Mississippi blues structure. And just like any adult contemporary album, Beyond the Horizon contains its share of cheese. “The Rain” begs you to “tell the rain goodbye” and “Angel (With a Honky Tonk Heart)” bleeds sap before the track even begins. If you’ve hung with the band through thick and thin, Beyond the Horizon might be acceptable only because everything is new. It won’t, however, win any new fans. But, let’s give The Marshall Tucker Band a hand anyway for still working so hard 30 years after first forming. [www.marshalltucker.com]