Believe (Th' Legendary Shack Shakers album)

Believe
Studio album by Legendary Shack Shakers
Released	2004
Recorded	2004, Roswell East Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre	Cowpunk[1] psychobilly[1]
Length	35:01
Label	YepRoc
Producer	J.D. Wilkes Mark Robertson
Legendary Shack Shakers chronology
Cockadoodledon't (2003) Believe (2004) Pandelirium (2006)

Believe is the fourth studio album by American rock band Legendary Shack Shakers, released in 2004. This album, along with Pandelirium (2006) and Swampblood (2007), form a trilogy of albums referred to as the "Tentshow Trilogy" by the band.^[2]

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According to AllMusic, Believe sees the Legendary Shack Shakers "adding a few more flavors to their usual gumbo of country, blues, rockabilly, and punk".^[3] Pitchfork felt that the album was "Southern Baptist imagery meets klezmer/rockabilly" and described the album's music as "cowpunk/psychobilly that deals in quasi-religious/sacreligious vagaries".^[1] PopMatters wrote regarding the album's style, "No doubt some bluegrass or rockabilly purists will find Believe's hyper-menacing flirtations to be sacrilege, but that’s kind of the point. To hell with traditions and placated expectations! This ain’t yer daddy’s rockabilly."^[4]

Believe, along with Pandelirium (2006) and Swampblood (2007), form a trilogy of albums referred to as the "Tentshow Trilogy" by the band.^[2]

The lyrics on "Believe" are a standout feature, showcasing the band’s knack for storytelling. Each song delves into themes of love, heartache, and the complexities of life, often with a humorous or tongue-in-cheek twist. The storytelling aspect is reminiscent of classic country and blues traditions, where narratives are woven into the fabric of the music.

Songs like the title track "Believe" reflect a sense of yearning and introspection, while others delve into the absurdities of everyday life. The lyrics resonate with listeners, drawing them into the vivid imagery and relatable emotions that the band captures.

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2023)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[5]

Believe was favourably reviewed by Zeth Lundy of PopMatters, who concluded, "The next time you take the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack from the stereo, pining for some oomph to your Americana, reach for Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers. “Colonel” J.D. Wilkes calls himself a jumpin’ jimdaddy, and before long, you will too."^[6] Ben Donnelly of Dusted magazine reviewed the album and commented that "Translating this band's strengths to record will probably always be a challenge. ... Still, they make the most of the challenge."^[7]

All songs written by J. D. Wilkes except where noted

1. "Agony Wagon" – 2:57
2. "Creek Cats" – 3:21
3. "Where's the Devil... When You Need Him?" – 2:59
4. "Piss and Vinegar" – 2:46
5. "County of Graves" – 3:45
6. "All my Life to Kill" – 3:03
7. "Cussin' in Tongues" – 2:45
8. "Help Me" – 3:47 (Sonny Boy Williamson II)
9. "Bible Cyst" – 2:55
10. "The Pony to Bet on" – 3:28
11. "Fistwhistle Boogie" – 2:22
12. "Misery Train" – 1:01

• J.D. Wilkes - vocals, Harmonica, piano, Wurlitzer Piano, Toy Piano, Wind-up monkey, See 'n Say
• Mark Robertson - Guitar, Double Bass, Bass guitar
• Paulie Simmons - drums
• DavidLee - Acoustic Guitar, electric guitar

Additional personnel include: Jordan Richter, Nick Kane (guitar), Fats Kaplan (banjo, fiddle, accordion), Donnie Herron (fiddle), Jim Hoke (clarinet, saxophone).