ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 47 BLACKBERRY SMOKE - LITTLE PIECE OF DIXIE

[RJhog (Admin)]

I have something a little different for you this week.  It's sort of Country/Rock/Southern Rock, although it leans slightly more to the country side of the fence.  I have no preconceived notions that this is gonna be a hit around here.  But it's getting a lot of play in my truck, so I thought I'd share it with you.  Blackberry Smoke is an Atlanta based band who have recently toured with the likes of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.  According to Amazon, "Little Piece of Dixie" is the band's second album. 

 

There is some of that southern twanginess, especially on the first song.  Quite honestly, I like every track except the bonus track.  I really love the third song, Bottom Of This, as the singer is basically saying let me drink a beer when I get home before you bombard me with everything.  Up In Smoke is a cool little jam, and Sanctified Woman really makes me think of The Georgia Satellites.  To me, the album hits its best stretch from tracks 7-11.  All feature cool guitar solos, although they aren't long enough, and Restless even features some of that wocka-wocka-geetar that Jon and Scott talk of.  And the line from that same song, "can't kick enough ass, in these old boots" just makes me smile.  Prayer For The Little Man is an outstanding acoustic gem, and Shake Your Magnolia has the band doing it's best AC/DC imitation (tell me that beginning riff doesn't sound like AC/DC).  And finally, Freedom Song has that somewhat extended guitar solo at the end, but it's still not quite long enough at about 1:30. 

 

You can pick this album up from Amazon for about 7 bucks.  I certainly think it's worth that, but I live in the South and I like southern styled rock mixed with some country.  Next week I'm gonna get back to some classic material.  For now, enjoy some Southern Rock music.

 

My Favorite Track: Prayer For The Little Man

 

Most Likely To Skip: Yesterday's Wine (this had a lot of potential, but George is getting way old and the song is just flat to me)

1. Good One Comin' On

2. Like I Am

3. Bottom Of This

4. Up In Smoke

5. Sanctified Woman

6. Who Invented The Wheel

7. I'd Be Lyin'

8. Prayer For The Little Man

9. Restless

10. Shake Your Magnolia

11. Freedom Song

12. Yesterday's Wine (Bonus Track w/George Jones and Jamey Johnson)

***Click album cover to listen***

 

[Scott]

I love the acoustic track you posted from this band, so I'm excited to get this playing while I get my reporting done this morning...

 

You said it was country but I didnt expect it to be that country.  And that Prayer For The Little Man?  Still a nice track, but its the only one I cared for. 

 

No offense, but this is pure country, and to quote Austin Powers "Thats not my gig man".

[RJhog (Admin)]

No offense taken.

[Niels (Mod)]

I don't care if it's Country. If the songs are good and there's a guitar and drums, it can be Polka, for what I care.

I did'nt really like the first song, but from the second one and on, it became good, really good. 

I like this album!! I'm not sure, it's a purchase, but it's very, very good.

Best tracks are "Like I am", "Up in smoke", "I'd be lyin", "Prayer for.." and "Restless".

Excellent post, RJhog. Best one in quite a while!! 

[RJhog (Admin)]

Thank you sir!

[Jon]

"A lot of play in my truck"....git along little doggies!

[Jon]

Listened to the first two tracks:

 

1. Good One Comin' On---No. Definitely too country for me.

2. Like I Am--Yes. This is more rock and I like. Plus the voice doesn't sound as twangy as the first track. Different singer?

[Jon]

You know, hope this doesn't make anyone feel less of me but I actually enjoyed this album. The voice was a bit too twangy, but, other than songs 1, 3 and 12 I really did like this. Will I buy it? Probably not, but it was still a fine post. Nice curveball Rjhog!

[Scott]

OK, where is Jon and what did you do with him?

[RJhog (Admin)]

Yep...I'm thinking the same thing.  He must not have realized that I posted it.

[Gordon Williams]

I went back and listened to this again this past Friday, and man, it's really good. Countrified rock...rockified country....call it what you want, but this...ummm...smokes! Killer lead guitar throughout.

So anyways, I decide I want to buy it. I go to my local Best Buy...my local Walmart...my local Target...and no copies. None at all. And these guys are from around this area. So, I check CDUniverse. Sold out. I call two local CD outlets, that have both used and new CD's. Nothing.

Next stop is Amazon...and yep, I'm paying throught the nose for it, but it's just that good. $33 to get this bad boy. The local CD shop guy tells me the band released this independently, before getting signed by a record company. So, unless you want an MP3 download, you'll pay big bucks to get it.

I eagerly await it's arrival.....

[RJhog (Admin)]

Yes, the whole CD is really good.  It is country, but with a definite rock edge.  I saw them recently on Palladia and they put on a terrific live show.  I'd really like to see 'em.  

However, I also have the follow-up, and it is more country and sounds like they wanted to be much more radio friendly.  It has one really good song, but nothing else that stands out.  I was really disappointed after how good this one was.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Follow up:  I like the follow up to this much better now that I've seen them live.  Maybe I'll waste everybody's time and post it...