The Hangdogs

Although musically they might seem more likely to have come from somewhere like Austin, insurgent country act the Hangdogs are actually based in New York City. Consisting (although the lineup could be fairly fluid from gig to gig) of lead singer and principal songwriter Matthew Grimm, guitarist/keyboardist Texas Tex, guitarist/pedal steel player Automatic Slim, bass players Rob Gottstein and J.C. Chmiel, and drummers Kevin Baier and Dave Stengel, the band came together in the mid-'90s, gaining attention for their passionate live shows and a healthy dose of political commentary that was injected into their lyrics. They self-released Same Old Story in 1997 and its 1998 follow-up, East of Yesterday, although the latter would be re-released when they were signed by Shanachie. The group's first actual album for the label would be Beware of the Dog, their 2000 release which, like its predecessor, was produced by Bruce Henderson. The band continued to win over new converts, especially through their dedication to live performance, which was documented by a collection of live songs on 2002's Something Left to Sell, which included covers of songs by Steve Earle and Robbie Fulks. Wallace '48 appeared in 2003, then in 2004, the band called it quits. Shanachie released a final album, Winds of Change, in 2005. The Hangdogs have reunited in various configurations for occasional live shows ever since. ~ Tom Demalon & Steve Leggett