Author – nonative

Chessmen – “Live”

Mostly tepid country & jazz standards on this “live” release by Nashville based lounge group, redeemed by some palpable coke sweat moves on the superfluous bonehead party funk rock of “Fun Time”.  But the real gem is a version of Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown”, complete with epic slow-burn synchronous scat / guitar comedown coda! [Audio clip: […]

Mountain Angel Band – Angel Food

Admirable and overlooked xian rural/hard rock lp on the Sonrise label from 1978, favorably reviewed in Ken Scott’s ‘Archivist’. The standout track here is “Suffering Servant”, a stellar piece of moody, heavy rock with psych tendencies and strong, searing guitar tone. “No Sir” carries along in a similar vein, its melodic phrasing evocative of some […]

Carol Stivers – The Many Voices of Carol Stivers

While debating whether to drop 3 bucks on this mystery I noticed a previous owner’s remarks inked into the cover – “Fantastic !!??”.  Well, that sealed the deal.  Jaw hit floor as the first track, “Agua Fria” flowed from the stereo… [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Billy Earl – The World of Billy Earl

Floridian country rocker Billy Earl offers up a one-tracker with “Ninety Nine Thump”. While poor Billy was out lookin’ for lovin’, the session axeman worked his mediocre magic with limp fuzz riffs and fake (read: wah pedal) lion’s roar for added intrigue.  Awesomely tepid.[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The Singing Jones Family – (Country & Gospel)

Solid 197? local release out of Nashville. Can’t find any info on this album anywhere. Standouts include infectious vocals on a cover of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, and a version of Prince Buster’s “Ten Commandments of Man”. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] [Audio clip: view full post to listen]