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I'll start by saying this is one of my all-time favorite albums (and also my first review)!
I came across this fantastic album quite by accident: a friend who was crazy about garage music bought it on vinyl and asked me to record it on cassette for him (since he didn't have a turntable). And that's how I found one of the most exhilarating albums I've ever heard.
The band from Missouri consists (or rather consisted, as they no longer exist) of three members: Jeremiah on vocals (now the singer of The Litigators), John Schooley on guitar (now an internationally renowned One Man Band rock'n'roller), Mark on drums. They lack a bassist, but for the dirty, grating sound, it's just fine.
The album, which can be defined as garage, is a mix of rock'n'roll, blues and country played with what I consider exceptional intensity! Thanks also to the live recording, essentially doing a live session in the studio and cutting the tracks (as described on the back).
The record starts with three almost consecutive songs, which are also the fastest on the album: super energetic and tight with powerful and fitting break sections! Among these, my favorite is "Earthshaker, Yeah!". Then it moves on to some slower and more rhythmic yet always raucous and peculiar tracks, which in some cases tend towards a ballad. Here the guitarist brings out his best: he indulges in distorted slides and simulating the bass with the first string loosened by a few tones, creating a not bad sound texture. An effect I've never heard that particularly excites me on pseudo-distorted country sounds. Among all, "These Calloused HandsBackseat Man", "Backseat Man" and "Come Back Baby" stand out. Meanwhile, the voice remains at its peak: screamed, grating, howled, and passionate, almost pained... truly great!
The sum of it all makes this album something very special for me, difficult to match by other bands and almost incomparable... some may like it or not, but these guys really go all out!!!
The album was released by Crypt Records in 1997; right after, they recorded a second full-length (after which they disbanded) titled "Let A Poor Boy Ride", which was released only in 2009, also by Crypt Records (which I still haven't managed to find...)
Below I list the tracklist. Enjoy listening, and anyone who shares a passion for this group, don't hesitate to reach out!
1. Ain't Got a Thing
2. Under the Gun
3. Earthshaker, Yeah!
4. Just Fine
5. These Calloused Hands
6. Hillbilly Wolf
7. Backseat Man
8. Come Back Baby
9. Serve the Man
10. Riverplace Courtyard on the Square
11. Let's Get Revelated
12. Ain't That Hatin' You Baby
13. Coming Unwound
14. Don't Look at Me When I'm Looking at You
15. You've No Mind
16. You Don't Know What Music Is
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