Cyrus James' debut Molly and the Devil can only be labeled as country rock n' roll. Cyrus is by far more country sounding than most of the artists you'll find on the radio and probably in Nashville these days. He also rocks hard with a touch of a twang. Fans of Kid Rock's more recent material will definitely enjoy this and so will fans of early country music. Cyrus James is an original. His songs have the usual clichéd country themes, but they are so unlike modern country. There's no hint of pop in Cyrus' music. With a gravely voice, Cyrus, delivers twelve songs that are country, pure and simple. His voice is far from pretty, but it is unforgettable. "Heading Out" draws the listener right in with a guitar that whines its misery. The song is about leaving someone that's not pulling their weight anymore. "I'm Drunk, I'm Sorry" is honky tonk heaven and fun. If the Pogues were from the deep south, they would be singing this one. "I'm drunk, I'm sorry, but baby you don't have to worry tomorrow ill be as sober as a preacher on Sunday morn." are pretty unforgettable. But it gets funnier as the song progresses. "Feels like everyone in this whole place is staring right at me. I'm gonna give em all the finger when i get up off of my hands and knees" will have you in stitches. John Fleming joins him on vocals for "Lickety Split." This is another piece of honky tonk gold. The lyrics will have you grinning. "I know a crooked cop he likes to stop pretty ladies when they drive by. He takes their money while he’s callin’ em honey, and he always kisses them goodbye." "Reckless Cinderella," is more southern rock. It has a strong beat meant for toe tapping. It falls into that folk rock/Americana category. If you liked the style of songs on the Wilco/Billy Bragg Mermaid Avenue collaborations, this is a song that you'll listen to over and over. "Winter In Frisco" is another song that seems to channel Woodie Guthrie. The only song that remotely comes close to something that you might find on your favorite country station is "One Country Song," but even that song's melody is more old fashioned than modern. The title track tells a story about a gunfighter. After one listen you'll know that "Molly and the Devil" isn't about what you think its about and Molly and the Devil aren't who you think they are. No spoilers here, this is a song you have to listen to. "Southbound" slows things down. It also features the Wurlitzer electric piano. It gives the song an old fashioned country sound. Molly and the Devil isn't an album that's going to open eyes to a new song, quite the contrary, it is going to take you back to the roots of country music. His songs take you to the front porch of an old farm house at twilight. There's a rocking chair out on the porch and a rifle leaning up against the wall. It doesn't get anymore country than this. Anyone that bemoans the current state of country music, should give Molly and the Devil a listen. Not only is this a strong album, but it is a return to country music's hey day. This is country music for the purists. Most of the time it is a good thing to hear new sounds by artists, but in this case, the step backwards through time is a welcome treat. Cyrus James' debut is one for the must have list. Review by Andrea Guy Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5) Andrea Guy hails from Southwestern Pennsylvania where she collaborates with several colleagues on an online music site called 'Mossip'.

http://keanradio.com/cyrus-james-molly-the-devil-cd-review-video/ Cyrus James is out to make a statement. He wants you to know that traditional country, outlaw country and red dirt country can all be blended with southern rock to make a unique and enjoyable sound. James backs up this statement very convincingly with his debut CD, ‘Molly & The Devil’. First and foremost, it should be noted that Cyrus James wrote 11 out of the 12 songs on this CD. He also plays guitar on all of the tracks on ‘Molly & The Devil’. James deserves kudos for this “old-school’ approach to his music, especially in a day and age where one-dimensional talent is widely accepted. The entire CD has a good amount of variety and tempo changes, and there’s a lot of great solo work featured. ‘Molly & The Devil’ opens with ‘Headin’ Out’, with a driving beat and some nice steel work throughout. ‘Lucky 59′ has a devilishly fun sound. Upbeat, with a hell-raiser’s message to the listener. This song rocks. Did I mention ‘Molly & The Devil’ had variety? Well, we go from the very rocking, to the very traditional country tune, ‘One Country Song’. Complete with a “Willie” and “Johnny” reference, as well as a few “Yippie-ki-yi-yay”‘s, this tune lets us know that Cyrus James’ knowledge of country music does not begin with George Strait. The title track gives me a David Allan Coe vibe. The Hammond organ and pedal steel give it a genuine, haunting outlaw country feel. You just don’t hear enough of this storyteller-type song anymore, and it’s a breath of fresh air. Overall, ‘Molly & The Devil’ is loaded with dance floor-fillers. You can easily imagine hearing songs like ‘I’m Drunk I’m Sorry’ ‘Paper Boats’ and the new single, ‘Reckless Cinderella’ pouring from the speakers of any Texas honky tonk. ‘Lickity Split’ is the best song on a really good album. It’s a duet featuring James and John “Johnny Coconuts” Fleming, and it is catchy. I look forward to seeing what this song will do on Texas radio. If you enjoy a CD with good variety, Cyrus James’ ‘Molly And The Devil’ is a good country album for you to own. There’s not a dull moment, and a lot of positive to take away from this debut album. - Dave Wheaton, Brand Manager/On_air personality KEAN Abeline Texas.