Album Review: Shooter Jennings 'Countach (for Giorgio)'

Breaking the proverbial mold and offering up something undeniably unique is exactly what Shooter Jennings does on his latest, Countach (for Giorgio). The project is Jennings’ tribute to Giorgio Moroder, the Italian producer whose contributions to disco and 80’s films will not be forgotten (Flashdance’s Jennifer Beals and The Neverending Story’s Falkor make appearances on the album cover).

Countach plays as one continuous collection with breaks in between songs being spoken word or movie dialogue creating an entire piece of work that somehow successfully marries genres you never imagined would work well together. Synthesizers, reverb, and dance floor ready tunes mix in with country elements starting off with the elder Jennings’ “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand” before taking a sharp left on “Loading...” quickly answering one's initial reaction of “what exactly is this” with “this is something pretty badass.”

“Loading…” flows seamlessly into “Countach” which recalls the electronic heyday of artists like New Order with pulsating drum loops and electronic elements segueing into the dance floor ready “From Here to Eternity” (who knew Jennings' voice was so ripe for techno?). “I’m Left You’re Right She’s Gone” plays like some electronic country punk hybrid that quickly becomes an earworm in the best way possible. Featuring Steve Young, “Born to Die” regroups with a true roots sound before dropping some serious futuristic fiddle-laden beats and circling back again while “Chase” bridges the gap to “Love Kills” which makes you want to break out your black fishnet gloves and shoulder pads. The album is rounded out by two strong tracks: Brandi Carlile’s sweetly ethereal vocals are featured on Jennings’ remarkable version of “The Neverending Story” while Marilyn Manson channels Bowie on the goth-rock closer, “Cat People.”

It’s incredibly refreshing to see an artist follow his inspiration and produce something totally unexpected and creative like Jennings has with Countach...it's a record that leaves you wondering just what he'll do next.

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