We start this week's installment with a little redneck noise, take a trip through Louisiana, and end up in L.A. ...
Hank Jr., “Attitude Adjustment.” From the album Major Moves (1984). There was always this mix of hell-raising country rebel and goofy fun in Hank Jr.’s older work. This tune, about a guy who can’t learn his lesson, definitely fell in the latter category. It’s silly, but much more likeable than some of the humor songs that came later.
Sturgill Simpson, “Turtles All the Way Down.” From the album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (2014). I’ve been a fan of Sturgill Simpson since I heard his Sunday Valley record a few years back, and I think he might be the most genuine country artist out there right now. This track throws fans a bit of a curve ball with a trippy, spacy sound, but still manages to be in his classic country wheelhouse.
Dash Rip Rock, “Fall Down, Go Boom.” From the album Hee Haw Hell (2007). This was really the record that brought Dash back to life for me. A concept album, it marked the return of the rowdy Dash Rip Rock that I grew up with, and a guest appearance by Mojo Nixon didn’t hurt either. This tune is a perfect example, a hard-rocking, catchy party song.
Lillian Axe, “The Needle and Your Pain.” From the album Psychoschizophrenia (1993). Lillian Axe took a more progressive direction on Psychoschizophrenia. Of course, their ballads were always a cut above their peers, and this melancholy piece mourning the loss of a loved one is no exception. It’s not my favorite of their ballads, but a touching tune nonetheless.
Ratt, “The Morning After.” From the album Out of the Cellar (1984). Though they would eventually implode, Ratt’s first few records were killer albums. Everyone remembers “Round and Round,” but Out of the Cellar was loaded with great rockers like this galloping number.
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