photo by Paul Privette; photo courtesy of Skye Media

Single Review of Sister Hazel: “Coconut Trees” (Rock Ridge Music)

You may recognize Sister Hazel from the band’s #11 hit back in 1997, its first single, “All For You.” Sister Hazel has recorded two top 50 albums, as well, most recently with the band’s 2009 release Release. All told, the alt-rock/country-ish band has had a nifty career, earning consistent critical praise and enjoying the support of a supportive fan base that turns out to fill decent-sized concert venues. So, yeah, in case you weren’t aware, Sister Hazel is doin’ well.

image courtesy of Skye Media

The band’s new single, “Coconut Trees,” is a pleasant, light, playful tropical number, replete with steel drums, if I’m not mistaken. The vocals are cheerful and breezy, culminating in “It’s just you and me, baby, in the coconut trees.” The song is catchy, fun, and carries the feeling of being on vacation. It’s a nice addition to Sister Hazel’s songbook, and it might be a useful replacement for whenever you tire of overplaying “Margaritaville,” though it’s been my experience that nobody who listens to “Margaritaville” ever tires of it. So maybe there isn’t a large market for another song like this. Sorry, Sister Hazel. But hey, at least I dig the song. Joking aside, “Coconut Trees” is a cool little number with a feel-good, laid-back, vacation-at-the-beach vibe.

Looking Ahead

We just missed Sister Hazel here in Boston – they were at City Winery in Boston last night while I was at the New England Music Awards ceremony in Foxborough – but the “Tour” page of the band’s website lists several upcoming shows over the next few weeks. On Saturday, November 18, you’ll find Sister Hazel at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center in Port St. Lucie, FL. Additional dates are listed from November 30th in Indianapolis to December 9th in Rocky Mount, NC, with stops in-between in Marion, IL; Chicago, IL; Winston-Salem, NC; and North Myrtle Beach, SC. Check the band’s website for more details and for new dates as they’re added.