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LivinBlues CD Reviews
by
Gary Tate - BeBop @ the Opry -
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tHe fArReLL bROs.:
RUMBLE @ THE OPRY (TEENAGE RAMPAGE RECORDS)
The Farrell Bros.--Shawn and Gordie--have made their home
in Selkirk, Manitoba since 1998, but according to a track off
their new 'Rumble @ The Opry' release, they played the
streets of Toronto long before then. There's a track called 'Curbstomp
Boogie', no doubt about those "starting-out" days as "rebels
without a cause" punk buskers. They may be lone wolves, but
they've always kept the faith alive by keeping that 'Psyschobilly'
torch lit. Originally a Country duo in the 'Everly Brothers
meet The Sex Pistols' mode. |
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They soon adapted traditional
Rockabilly with a very raw live sound by bringing a rhythm section
to the band.References to
Link Wray,
Eddie Cochran, Rev. Horton Heat,
and especially
Gene Vincent, are obvious, but the Bros.
have also brought other musical influences to the
table---particularly
Hank Williams and the Louvin
Brothers. There's a definite payback to
Johnny Cash
too. 'I Walk The Fiery Line' (an imaginative blending
of lyrical elements of 'I Walk The Line' and 'Ring
of Fire') recounts a harrowing spiral into obsessive rage
and despair. Titles such as 'The Baddest One Around', 'Rockabilly
Rebel', 'The Wild Kind', and 'Motorpsycho Girl'
convey menace, and the wilder fantasies of alienated teenagers
(possibly a few disturbed adults too). Nasty but greasy! Once
you hear the guys cranking it out, your imagination will
transport you to whatever location they happen to be playing,
giving you a glimpse of the testosterone-infused action
that'll be burning up that stage.
MP3 -
I Walk The Fiery Line |
surf to www.thefarrellbros.com |
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THE BEBOP COWBOYS:
SOME KIND OF FANTASY (INDEPENDENT)
Masterful purveyors of
Western Swing, The Bebop Cowboys stretch the boundaries of
that genre while also keeping traditionalists smiling. 'Some
Kind of Fantasy' is a dreamy release, a seamless stream of
enduring classics matched by outstanding originals. Guitarist
Steve Briggs, comes to the fore as a quality composer, while partner
Howard Willett makes some notable contributions as well. 'Duncan
Swings' lifts the curtain: a galloping instrumental with
Steve Briggs quoting Goodman/ Christian's 'Air Mail Special'. |
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'Back Home In Indiana'
elicits the timeless spirit of Americana. Listen closely and
admire how Briggs embellishes it with jazzy changes, while
Howard's relaxed down- home vocals are as alluring as a hot
tub to tired feet. Other distinguished items from the timeless
repertoire are 'Sugarfoot Rag' and 'New Texas Panhandle
Rag', Each get vivacious treatments, full of optimistic spunk,
crackling energy, and improvisational fervor. The title track
is an exotically tinged journey to the South Pacific as
thrilling pedal steel shards arise from Burke Carroll's
hands. The fuzzy and lovable Willett suffuses 'Ella Mae' with
grandfatherly warmth awash in sunny sentimentality. It's a
beautiful tune written by Steve and wife Kristin. The guys go
all out on 'Almost to Tulsa' (the Buddy
Charlton chestnut), while another instrumental 'Cadillac
Boogie' is akin to a sonic crackerjack box full of
surprises. MP3 -
Duncan Swings |
www.bebopcowboys.com |
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