In a perfect world, bands like the Billy’s would be millionaires — or at least have enough money to keep gas in the touring van. On Another Winner, the band’s third album and their best to date, the Billy’s prove they’re one of the most underrated Minneapolis bands since the Gear Daddies.
The bitingly clever, somewhat cynical lyrics of a band that hasn’t quite made it yet are juxtaposed with catchy country/pop-rock hooks and infectious melodies. Producer Tom Herbers, captures their live vibe perfectly, and the songs are quirky and fun, such as the all-out rockin’ “#4″ (a.k.a. “Nick Ciola’s Hat”), a tribute to the ever-present blue baseball cap worn by Martin Zellar’s bass player. The sweetly melodic “Know How To Dance” could be seen as a metaphor for the band’s live shows: “If I wanted to, I could tear up this room/I know how to dance, I just don’t want to.” They could jump around and play rock-stars, but that’s not who they are.
“Half-Hearted Try”, a slow, brooding country ballad, and “-3F” are companion pieces; the former about the band’s frustration with its lack of success, the latter about trouble they had keeping a bass player. “Mr. Stipe”, the album’s closer, is a slow, jazzy is about the R.E.M. lead singer’s decision not to sell his song to Microsoft, and what the Billy’s would do if they were in the same position.
