Gear Daddies - Cant Have Nothin Nice (1992)

Can't Have Nothin' Nice collects live tracks, studio outtakes, and other rarities from these unsung heroes of alternative country. The live cuts include an acoustic version of "Boys Will Be Boys," as well as barroom favorites such as "Drank So Much (Just Feel Stupid)" and "Cut Me Off." The Gear Daddies were a seasoned road band, and these live tracks capture the band's stage energy. Can't Have Nothin' Nice also boasts a solid selection of studio outtakes, including "Bored and 19" and "Get It Right Someday" -- two slices of Midwestern Americana that are as good as the best material from the Gear Daddies' studio albums. Another highlight is the band's cover of Prince's "Little Red Corvette," which had previously been available only on a limited-edition 7". Dripping with pedal steel guitar, the Gear Daddies' reading of the song is pure country. Although Can't Have Nothin' Nice offers some gems, the collection is a mixed bag. Tracks like "Minnesota Polka" and "Spider Monkey" merely show the band goofing off in the studio. "Chip and Dale" captures the band telling bad jokes on stage. These tracks offer little humor and even less musical value for anyone except the most devoted fan. The light-hearted moments do show a band that never took itself too seriously. This trait was a big part of the Gear Daddies' appeal and made much of the band's best music so great.