CMT Blog: Archive

Billy Bob Thornton's "Electric Hillbilly" Music

Posted: May 14th, 2008 at 1:34 pm  |  By: Chet Flippo  

The Boxmasters are actor/singer Billy Bob Thornton's latest passion. The group he has put together by that name are a fascinating experiment in what he calls "electric hillbilly" music. The Boxmasters -- dressed in ‘60s-era Hullabaloo-TV-show-style skinny ties and skinny-lapel dark suits -- are a send-up of sorts of the Kinks and Beatles and the likes.

But the two-CD release itself is a genuine curiosity. Disc one is made up of all original Billy Bob compositions, done by the band in trad country style. Songs on the order of "The Poor House," "S**t List" and "I'm Watchin' the Game." "No Whiskey in Heaven" is one of the strangest drinking songs I've heard in a while. The words consist of "I pray there's no whiskey in heaven." Plus sound effects.

Disc two is cover songs, ranging from the Louvin Brothers' "Knoxville Girl" to the Who's "The Kids Are Alright." It's a tall order, but I find this whole thing to be an enjoyable musical smorgasbord. Billy Bob has a very sly sense of humor, and it's certainly working throughout this release. I would be very curious to hear what you think about this obvious experiment. You can sample songs on delllounge.com and on the Boxmasters' MySpace page.

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Reader Comments

  • kayefun says:

    Posted: May 14th, 2008 at 4:21 pm  

    Re: Billy Bob Thornton’s music - :(

  • mjayhill says:

    Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:01 am  

    Sucks. Probably will win a Grammy.

  • Dolly Parton Hurt By Howard Stern’s Tasteless Manipulation — The 9513 says:

    Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 10:29 am  

    [...] Flippo digs the latest two-disc release from The Boxmasters (Billy Bob Thorton’s band), calling it an “enjoyable musical [...]

  • Ham says:

    Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 11:55 am  

    I think it’s great. Really funny stuff, especially the slots bit.

  • Cynthia Hawkins says:

    Posted: May 16th, 2008 at 9:58 pm  

    That’s danged clever from start to finish! Catchy tune, steel pedal guee-tar, and savory harmonies. What’s not to like?

  • Under The Desert Moon says:

    Posted: May 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm  

    Love “The Poor House”! The Boxmasters take us back in time and they all look like they’re having a blast! The cd sounds like a unique musical experience and I look forward to buying it on June 10th.

  • Ceone says:

    Posted: May 18th, 2008 at 4:59 pm  

    Love BBT, this twist and shout sixties is great, still got to love those cowboy boots, skull cap and pink panties song from previous album….if you haven’t heard all his tunes,,,,YOU have GOT to. Ceone from Oklahoma

  • Bubba says:

    Posted: May 19th, 2008 at 4:49 pm  

    I liked “Beautiful Door” better.

  • chimneybutte says:

    Posted: May 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm  

    GREAT STUff!!!!See YOu in Santa Fe In July..

  • Diane says:

    Posted: May 28th, 2008 at 10:24 am  

    I just saw the video yesterday,I thought it was Great!And I love Billy Bob ;)

  • boxmasters says:

    Posted: May 30th, 2008 at 2:17 pm  

    [...] passion. The group he has put together by that name are a fascinating experiment in what he …http://blog.cmt.com/2008-05-14/billy-bob-thorntons-electric-hillbilly-music/First Impressions: Bonus edition USA TodayI’m going to exceed the usual 10-album preview format this [...]

  • kelly bergman says:

    Posted: June 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am  

    this billy bob music is rockin hillbilly style. this is some great country music. rock on and thanks billy bob.

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