FOUR YEAR BENDER: Lucky

Four Year Bender

Lucky

© 2004 Four Year Bender (691045805127)

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Country-fried soul with a dash of southern fingerpicking.

notes

The title for Four Year Bender's latest release, "Lucky", couldn't be more straight forward. According to principal songwriter/vocalist Ryan Smith, "....I've been fortunate to build a very strong cast of musician friends over the years and they made this record an absolute pleasure to make. Recording can be frustrating and tedious but the further we got along in this one the more I felt like a lucky man. It's also the name of the street I live on".
This straight-ahead approach comes through in the music as well, and although great lengths were taken in the way of keeping it simple things don't always go as planned. What started out as a nice little acoustic diversion from Ryan's nationally touring rock band Boomshanka, quickly exploded into a full length monster with just about everyone he knew participating in some shape or form.
The sessions started in producer Mike Winger's apartment, moved across town to Sausalito's Studio D, and ended up in the world-renowned mastering room at "The Plant". Quite frankly, things were going too well to slow down.
"Lucky" has a warm, down-home, charm that perfectly captures the good vibes under which it was recorded. It is the sound of good friends taking the time to make the record they've always wanted to. Curious? Give it a listen, I'll bet you smile.

reviews

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  • you guys are the SH*T
    author: higbot

    Best stuff I've heard in a long time. Love it. Thank you!

  • Lucky to find this...
    author: Mike Stewart

    Instantly enjoyable, easily digestable, and yet it spun solo in my CD player for many weeks before I finally gave it a rest. It just keeps getting better and better. SO HOW ABOUT ANOTHER 4YB ALBUM ALREADY ???

  • Luck lead me to Lucky!
    author: Hank

    I had never hear of Four Year Bender until I stumbled upon this record by chance. I'm so glad I did, this CD is great!

  • Warning: For fans of great music only...
    author: JP

    I bought this CD on a whim after doing a quick "sounds like" search, and now I couldn't be happier to have discovered this band. Come to think of it, I can't even remember whom I did my "sounds like" search for, since this CD blends elements of Americana, rock, and blues into a wonderful listening experience. A great CD.

  • True Americana
    author: Glenn Kennedy

    First heard them on XM Satellite's, X Country station, like them so much I wrote down the name and added it to my must get CD list. Glad I did. Great guitar work, great vocals, great mood setting, both energetic and mellow at the same time. Glad I found them !

  • Outstanding.
    author: ScottM

    I really should give it a 4.5, only because there aren't more songs. Haha. I had the wonderful pleasure of watching these guys live, and I bought the cd the next day. Great stuff.

  • CD review
    author: Shelley

    Thanks for the quick turnaround on the CD. A friend heard your music on XM radio and I was able to find it for his birthday. He is very happy! Thank you.

  • From across the country!
    author: Granite State

    Starting in San Francisco California, given to his brother in Austin Texas, who gave it to me up here in the Granite State of New Hampshire. Now here at the small college of Colby-Sawyer, the tune is becoming contageous! We're exicted to see what's next!

  • It's better than sex.
    author: Rubonga

    This is the best music I have heard in a long time. The band deserves national recognition. However, selfishly, I hope the recognition waits until I can see them in a small venue in Seattle. Come north boys.

  • Lost in Lucky
    author: Kathy

    I’m the Lucky one; spinning in the vortex of this music. Every instrument so clear and precise, they must be playing me. Time is gone and cares have left with my self-control. Each song is a new journey; a glimpse of life; bringing together the pain and pleasures of life into music. Do I even exist anymore? I’m Talkin’ About a voice that spills from the ears; a seductive kiss on the curve of the neck. Hmmm. It’s Good For me every time. I’m ruined in the best way. Thank you FYB.

  • Great stuff - well worth the purchase!
    author: Sandy Lee

    I heard Four Year Bender on XM Radio (New Orleans Lament)maybe a month ago, and had to get the cd... It is awesome - one of the best I've gotten in a while. You know when you buy a cd for just one song? And then are greatly pleased by the whole thing the FIRST time you listen? How rare that is? Well, this cd is all that and more. Wow, one of my favorites. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

  • excellent cd.
    author: Larry Weldon

    I can't stop listening to this cd. When not listening I can't get songs out of my head. One of the best in awhile.

  • FYB's Lucky album, ROCKS!!
    author: Tonya Adams

    Love this album. Have every song on it memorized. Can't get them out of my head. Go to sleep and wake up singing them. All of these songs have staying power. The lyrics are soulful. Each tune is physically felt. The body dances, the heart pounds, and the face smiles. I have been turning everyone I know, onto these fresh, new, sexy sounds that have been captured by Four Year Bender's Lucky album. Looking forward to what comes next.

  • Ever so lovely
    author: Sierra

    One of my favorite local bands, this CD is a perfect mix.

  • Great CD
    author: Purpletwister

    Awesome CD - found on XM Cafe. Got it in the mail just before vacation - listened in the car. Not a song on the CD that I didn't like!!! Great job guys!

  • A great find!
    author: Four Year Bender - Lucky

    Every once in a while, I find a rare CD of music I had not heard of, but becomes one of my favorites. Four Year Bender's Lucky is that CD for me right now. This is Americana at it's best. Great lyrics, great acoustics. Not a bad song on the CD.

  • My New Favorite!
    author: Kortney

    I love this CD & bought 2 for myself & my father who loves it as well. Heard Four Year Bender on XMCafe & can't wait till they come to Atlanta, Georgia.

  • Great CD
    author: The Big Juan

    The music flows from one great song to the next. You can listen to Lucky road-trippin' or sitting on the back porch having a beer. Four Year Bender did it right.

  • Great CD, every song is something new, well produced and performed
    author: Jimmy

    Heard a song from this CD on XM radio, liked it so much I looked them up and ordered it from CDBaby. I wasn't dissapointed and have had a great time with this California Cowboy album.

  • What a pleasant surprise!
    author: Steve in Fort Collins, CO

    Heard Talkin' About on satellite radio in a pizza joint and was blown away. When I received the cd in the mail I found every other song to be excellent. When I travel to SF to visit my in-laws I'm gonna try to hear them live.

  • Straight forward and basic - worth a listen!
    author: Bob in Palm Springs

    I'm glad I bought this CD. It is not pretentious and the playing is great.

  • Definitely check it out.
    author: Sean Chon

    Rarely do I buy a CD after hearing a song on the radio.

  • Love It!
    author: Becky

    I had entered into a musical boredom phase. Sure, all the old classics were there, but I needed something new, a spark, something to play over and over and over while driving around. And I found it in Four Year Bender's "Lucky." What a great album! Sad and funny, relatable, singable, just great. I took a day trip with my 61 year-old mom last weekend, and she kept wanting to hear it again and again. You guys done good! Find your future ex-wife, indeed!

  • author: Ryan

    Great tunes...like the harp. Going to send it to some friends on the East Coast

  • Good from beginning to end
    author: August Selby

    I hate to gush over an album, but this CD blew me away. Not very often do I like hearing complaints about booze and women, but this was done right. Can't wait to see em live.

  • Definitely worth a listen!
    author: Alexis Puent

    Saw the band open at Great American Music Hall in S.F., and had to buy the CD. I have to admit, this isn't what I'd usually pop into the disc player while haulin' down the freeway. But when I'm at home, just mellowin' out, this is definitely the stuff!!! Love the songs Miss Bartender, Southern Smile, What's Good for You, and Sit and Wait, but every song's got it's own little story for you to listen to and enjoy...

  • BEST CD I'VE HEARD IN A LONG, LONG TIME! LONG TIME!
    author: Glen Prejean

    Not surprised at all to hear these songs coming from Ryan Smith and such fine players including the Boomshanka players. All of the songs are great--New Orleans Lament, Miss Bartender, Southern Smile, What's Good For You, Leaving Today, Goin Fishin, Rainy Day, Sit And Wait and Wine and Roses stand out. This is a disc you buy, put in the player and hit repeat--highly recommended. I also recommend checking out the track Talkin About on the Boomshanka record. The last time I found such a complete record it was Whiskeytown's Stanger's Almanac. BUY THIS CD!!!

  • Like the best of Son Volt, only better
    author: Ben Moeling

    I stumbled on this CD here at CDBaby and decided to pick it up on a whim. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you get really, really lucky. Everything on this album is good. From the first licks on the first track, it gets into your bones. Singable, yet complex and interesting. Even my wife, who has no tolerance at all for what she calls "same-sounding" music, loved this one. I was reminded a little of Son Volt's Trace by this album, but Ryan Smith's vocals are easier to listen to here. There were moments when I thought maybe there was a bit of Ben Harper channeling through, but that passed -- unless, of course, Ben Harper has switched to a fingerpicking guitar. I have three five-star albums I have bought in the last year: Chris Smither's Train Home, Nora Jones' latest, and this one. Do yourself the favor, and buy it today.

  • Straightforward with great guitar work, harmonies, and catchy arrangements. You
    author: Brad Densen

    Once in awhile, a cd will come your way that causes you to say, "Wow. I actually like every song on this cd." And that is what you have with Four Year Bender's, Lucky: a straightforward collection of songs with great guitar work, harmonies, and catchy arrangements. You won't be able to stop listening.

  • Great lyrics and great music. I just love listening!
    author: Judi LaDuke

    The music on the CD is a great mix of blues, rock and jazz. The lyrics are interesting and the music makes me want to dance. I have had it is my car CD player since I got it, a week ago, and I just keep playing it over and over. The sound is crisp and clear and I feel as though I am sitting watching the band perform. Which, in fact, I would like to do. Are you guys coming to NH or New England any time soon? Keep up the good work!

  • Great Tracks; Strong Compilation
    author: Greg Densen

    Great music. Mostly mellow, with some songs that are more agressive. Particularly like Miss Bartender and Rainy Day.

  • very good singer songwriter
    author: Dawn Holliday

    heard 4 year bender at Strictly Bluegrass festival in SF last october glad a cd is finally out. favorite songs: New Orleans Lament; Southern Smile; Rainy Day. If you are a Mother Hips fan (another SF band) you will love four year bender.

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