The Gousters - country folk music at its best

With increasing frequency the term “alt-country” has now become a definition for those country artists not embraced by the hit driven, glossy pin-up version of country that Nashville currently sells with so much success. Really, the “alt” now means: where does it belong?

{Disclaimer} The Google description when looking up "The Gousters" or myself is not anyhing I ever submitted.. in fact it's downright embarrassing.The only "greatest" adjective I've ever believed was that ascribed to THE BEATLES and MUHAMMED ALI!!

y'allternative - Music known most commonly as "country rock" which is a hybrid of modern alternative rock and country music.

      I first met Zander Schloss when working on a now cult film called “Repo Man” by Alex Cox. My friend Peter McCarthy from Chicago was one of its producers. I had just moved to Los Angeles and helped out videotaping the auditions with my interest in video production just beginning.

      Zander of course played “Kevin” and went on to pursue his true passion of music, writing some of the soundtracks of Alex’s other films, "Sid & Nancy,"& “Straight To Hell” as well as acting in them. He is the bass player for one of L.A.’s founding punk bands “The Circle Jerks” still on tour after these many years.

         Zander has also written with the late Joe Strummer and Scott Weiland. Zander, originally from St Louis moved to California as a teenager. Having become friends while working on “Repo Man” in 1984, I reunited with Z when he rented the studio apartment in 1999 over our garage. This was a home my wife and I were renting in Los Angeles. This old Spanish home built in the 1920s has what is very uncommon in L.A. “ A basement”

        This is where we spent countless hours recording analog tracks on an eight track reel to reel. Zander’s command of musical instrumentation and the help of his many friends who contributed both instrumental and vocal tracks over a period of 3 years evolved when we brought the reels to Brian Susko’s Westside Recorder Studio.

        It was there, that editing, mixing and dozens of more tracks were added digitally over the next few years with Brian’s fine ear.

        I moved to Crestline, CA in the San Bernardino Mountains where my wife and I bought a cabin on an acre of land. I was seeking some peace of mind having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. I had served as a Navy Corpsman ( medic) with a Marine platoon in Vietnam in 1970.

       After the wildfires in the fall of 2003, I was never able to regain a sense of safety living somewhat remote in the forest and returned to urban L.A. I finally have completed what has been sitting on all those back burners these many years.. The Gousters. The origin of the name is what I perceive as pre-dating the “Grunge" look in Seattle.

       It was a term we referred to ourselves as of the similar style or “non-style”of the way we dressed while growing up in Chicago in the 1960s based on Black street slang on the south and westside.

We sincerely hope you enjoy the music..

Walt Cronin

Los Angeles, CA

Current News CD Release

Walt Cronin collaborated with his former, fellow songwriter, on their debut CD "The Gousters" in 2005. It remained in the top 50 alternative country category on Roots Music Report for 60 weeks. Walt is a former navy corpsman (medic) that served with a marine platoon in Vietnam in 1970. His songs are memoirs of the heartache of war and it's aftermath with a beautiful love ballad thrown into the mix. Staying true to the folk history of societal woes with some bright new tunes finish off this eclectic blend of strong lyrical content and melodies.

Since the release of their debut album ‘The Gousters” in 2005, Walt Cronin has continued to compose, on his own. This CD written and sung by Cronin has many of the elements of the first CD. “ It is definitely in the folk americana tradition,” says Marty Beal, the producer and arranger of Walt’s CD from the Racketroom in Santa Ana, CA where all the recordings took place.

Marty wore many hats in this musical composition playing most of the instruments all the while, enhancing Walt’s creative style with musical expertise. Walt, the singer / songwriter on this, his self-titled CD has brought to light his own heartfelt melodies which are the result of many influences from sixties musings with a contemporary folk rock feel.

Press release by: Alexander Nivichanov

                                                                Walt Cronin The Gousters CD Release

October 21, 2008 Walt's New CD is now available for shipping. 12 new songs CD listed at $9.00 each plus S/H

The songs will be uploaded within the next week to hear. Samples on Radiosubmit Search under The Gousters

I'll find a brand new day
like a day like today

flowers in her hand

the rift

hittin' the road

turn myself around

she's on her own

that's how it all oughta be

lapsed in blue

ageless dreams

wishin for awhile

you are the light ( Vio's song)

The new veterans compilation CD "Until You Come Home" is officially out! I'm really excited about this CD getting out and hoping it will bring comfort to the many soldiers and family members affected by war.

Please click the link below, for more information and credits.

Music Video "The Rift " on Youtube

Walt Cronin The Gousters on CDbaby homepage

click below

cdbaby order CD

Listen to Walt's New Songs On MySpace Music

Free Download From Walt's New CD: I'll Find A brand New Day

Click above on Myspace Music to download free song !

REVIEWS:

We have a real variety in new items added to NeverEndingWonder Radio this time around. Would you expect anything different? We start off with an outstanding independent release: Self-titled: Walt Cronin The Gousters
This is the second album in a row Walt Cronin has released titled "The Gousters." Last album was a collaboration. This one is a solo effort: The couple of years in between releases has found Cronin polishing his sound yet maintaining the depth of emotion in his lyrics. It's a worthy successor to his debut release. Top of the line Americana: Walt Cronin The Gousters
Uncle Ozma
NeverendingWonder Radio

The Promise Live: On his own this time (as far as songwriting goes), Walt generates another strong piece of Americana/folk for us to listen to. His deep plain voice doesn't grab you right away, but as the CD goes on you find yourself enjoying it a lot. There are several really nice songs here.

An engaging collection of folk rock tunes, Walt Cronin's The Gousters is a homespun and charming effort. Warm, earthy sounds envelope the listener as Cronin delivers work that is solidly written with a compelling sincerity. Many of these songs are about war, often sounding like the contemporary answer to the folk protest songs of 1960s artists like Pete Seeger.

Penned by Vietnam veteran Cronin in relation to his personal experiences, the themes of his music still resonate in today's world. "Flowers In Her Hand" is the story of a young war widow, while "The Rift" narrates Cronin's own inner struggles dealing with his experiences as a Navy Corpsman. Regardless of the listener's personal views, we all acknowledge the human sacrifice that war entails. While there are obviously political themes on here, for the most part these are intimate, personal recollections based on his own life.

The sweet, almost naive sensibilities of the music is juxtaposed to the stories Cronin tells about the aftermath of war; this sad contrast evokes a feeling of innocence lost. But Cronin's underlying optimism and hope is a thread throughout the album – and this is ultimately a story of healing, and of love prevailing. And love does prevail: "You Are The Light" is a gentle, romantic ballad that ends the album on an uplifting note.

These are tender and introspective songs with the kind of realness and authenticity that is becoming quite rare. Cronin shows his craftsmanship for twangy, down-home rock on cuts such as "Like A Day Like Today" and "The Rift," my two favorite cuts from this record. Cronin has a lot of stories to tell, and I will look forward to hearing more of them in the future.

Quote: "Tender and introspective songs with the kind of realness and authenticity that is becoming quite rare."

By Beeb Ashcroft

Indie-Music Profile

Walt Cronin Sings From The Heart

When you listen to Walt Cronin, don't expect fancy language or complicated musical structure. Listen to the words, though, because simple words can carry a great impact. On his recent solo release, Walt Cronin~The Gousters, Walt sings of love, war and everyday things, and brings you into the experience. These are songs from the heart----the essence of true folk music. Of a war widow. "It's the hurt that's in us all as we watch those young men fall...." (Flowers In Her Hand). Of a veteran's life." I was a soldier, led to the places that left me bereaved...."Came home a stranger...." (The Rift) Of a homeless girl: " How can this be, in the land of the free...no one is listening...." (She's On Her Own). The Gousters derives it's name from a term Walt and his former co-musician Zander Schloss used to describe themselves, based on urban Chicago street slang. The CD is similar in style to one issued by Walt and Zander in 2005, but the two are not to be confused. As far as musical style the instrumental accompaniment reminds me of a time when folk, rock and country were more closely related and were played interchangeably on pop radio. A little reminiscent of The Outlaws. There is even a touch of Celtic sound in " Ageless Dreams. " The album finishes up with a with a very sweet tribute to a loved one ( You Are The Light). You can listen to clips from the new CD on Folk Alley, MySpace or CDBaby. Spend a little time with Walt Cronin and his music. It will be time well spent.

Sharon Lunsford, Editor, The Back Porch News

My address below to order CD from me:

alt.coun·try / ˈôlt ˈkəntrē/ (also alt-coun·try) • n. a style of country music that is influenced by alternative rock.

folk-rock or folk rock   (fōk'rŏk')
n.  A variety of popular music combining elements of rock 'n' roll and folk music.
folk'-rock' adj.

John Lennon said “Todays’ folk music is rock and roll…..folk music isn’t an acoustic guitar
with a singer who talks about mines and railways”. Ironically, he later cites Bob Dylan as
probably his greatest influence. Paraphrasing John Lennon, you could say, perhaps,
that yesterdays’ rock and roll is todays’ folk music…….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05hz4rptag Youtube video of song "The Rift"

Welcome to our music. ( CD 2005 ) The Gousters

Feel free to download and enjoy. If you like this music and would like to see me write more, please show your support and kindly send me a donation.

( click & play each song )

make me a kinder man

everything's gonna be allright

if it all goes well

bottlenecked confusion

Bill McDonald, President of MSWA

Military Writers Society of America

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Vietnam - PTSD - Hillbilly - Folk - Grunge Rock at its BEST!

There is no way to place or fit this musical CD into some neat fitting musical genre box—so I have described it as Vietnam-PTSD-Hillbilly-Folk-Grunge Rock! It will knock you in butt with its themed songs that related to Walt Cronin’s life as a Vietnam veteran. We are now playing it on our web radio station: K-Dade Radio to great reviews from listeners who can identify with this creative voice from a fellow veteran.

Hearing is the only way one can share what this experience is like. It is edgy poetry with shades of emotional trauma and memories of things past.

This touchstone of emotions is from the creative partnership of Walt Cronin (who is a former Navy Corpsman with a Marine platoon in Vietnam in 1970) and his friend Zander Schloss. There are many others who contributed time and creative juices to this CD; however, this still remains an undiscovered gem of musical enlightenment. WARNING: Their music will hook you and entrance you—so caution must be voiced if you listen to this CD.

Hillbilly, mystical, grunge rhythms mixed with spiritual folk lyrics—what more can I say. I LOVE IT! Go out and buy it and listen to it. Your life will be touched and changed. A FIVE STAR REVIEW!!!

Photo Gallery ( Page 2)

Roots Music Report Review: 5 Stars

While you would probably describe The Gousters CD as alt-country/Folk, these guys actually run the gamut of alternative variety and do it all extremely well. They play their own unique and distinctive brand of music ranging from hillbilly to folk to grunge rock and you are bound to enjoy it all.
Walt Cronin’s & Zander Schloss’ strong vocals and excellent harmony make the music very entertaining and easy to listen to. But there is a great deal more to their music than just great sound. Listen closely to the lyrics, for they reveal extraordinary songwriting talent. Within those lyrics is a rich experiential content that could only be produced by one who has strong emotional ties to the theme. Those lyrics coupled with this talented duo’s delivery will leave you wanting more.

Brenda Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer ( Roots Music Report )

Walt Cronin The Gousters 2008

If you are interested in ordering a copy of his new CD, Walt Cronin The Gousters (Oct 2008)

Please mail a check or money order with your return address, to:

Walt Cronin

13428 Maxella Avenue #611

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

For $ 9.00 plus $1.25 for shipping for a total of $10.25.

NOTE: $3.00 FROM EACH CD SALE IS BEING CONTRIBUTED TO DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS.

gouster@gousters.com

Kynd Music

kyndmusic.com

Walt Cronin, half of the duo named The Gousters and the principle lyricist, displays an infectious enthusiasm about his music. Scattered across the web are numerous postings, blogs, notes and comments from him that celebrate, in a surpised kind of joy, the independent success of his self-released album. He seems thrilled that anyone even noticed The Gousters. But then again, how could you not notice them?

The energy of Walt, the perfectly loose composition of the songs, the stark poeticism of the lyrics and the fact that the other half of the duo is Zander Schloss, made famous by his founding of the seminal punk band The Circle Jerks and less famous by his role in the cult film Repo Man, would seem to make this point moot. And, in the interest of coming full circle, their rapid climbing of the music charts without a label, promoter, publicist or manager seems to prove the point.

As for the music itself, Walt loosely defines it as alt-country, with the caveat that the term has become a catch-all description, like jam or indie rock. Listening to it at a distance, it reminds me of the gritty folk of Neil Young (“Trickle Past”), the deadpan somberness of Leonard Cohen (“Only Eighteen”) and the tumbling melodies of the classic 60’s folk groups (“If It All Goes Well”).

Listening to it up close and personal still reminds me of those artists but also helps give a sense of, mainly, who Walt Cronin is. His experience as a combat medic in Vietnam, love, lost friends and the realities of living a rough life permeate the songs that are strummed on an acoustic guitar, frantically picked on a mandolin and tapped out on a small basement drum kit.

From the beautifully rough and tumble rockabilly-tinged “Make Me A Kinder Man” with it’s straightforward tribute to a loved one, the down home picking of “Bottlenecked Confusion” and its yearning for a simpler life to the melodic folk of “Showered in Blue” with it’s CSNY-esque vocal harmonies and the Civil War tale built into the rollicking country rock of “Wheatfield” Walt and Zander create music that sounds like wood, dead leaves, oil, dirt, tears and a just a bit punk.

It is an album that deserves the notice it is receiving and worthy of many more accolades. So let’s all keep surprising Walt Cronin and spread the word about The Gousters around the scene.

Dave Terpeny

KyndMusic

After serving in the CAP unit in Viet Nam, Walt Cronin moved from Chicago to Los Angeles and met Zander Schloss during the filming of "Repo Man". Eventually Zander moved into the apartment over Walt's garage and the two began recording hours and hours of music.
The singing duo, "The Gousters" was formed.
Their musical style is best described as “alt-country” which means they perform music by their rules, not Nashville's. Their music is unfettered by the constraints of adapting to the razzle-dazzle used by many of today's music "stars".

Uncle Shag Longtown Podcasts "Listen to Walt's interview podcast # 57 along with his music.."

Walt: I got the CD yesterday and have listened to it twice. Stunning, really extraordinary. It has hints of everything -- bluegrass and country, blues and folk, music and lyrics that could have come from Neil Young, CSN, and the Byrds. The rhyme and cadence and massaging of the words, the pauses and emphases, are pitch perfect. I also want to make special mention of the song, "Only Eighteen." It was beautiful and should become the anthem of all of you who served in Vietnam and the horrors that the experience still visits upon you.

God bless you, buddy.

Robert J. Callahan
Diplomatic Fellow
School of Media and Public Affairs
Suite 428
George Washington University
805 21st St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20052

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