Sunday, June 08, 2008

Jim Dandy - Ready As Hell (1984)



Jim Dandy a.k.a. James Mangrum. The one and only voice of Black Oak Arkansas. This album was released as a solo album. If I remember correctly this had something to do with contractual obligations, therefore it couldn't be released as a regular BOA album. But with a voice like that, how could it sound like anything other than BOA?
After the rather lame Capricorn release "I'd Rather Be Sailing" (which a lot of us agreed with) this is a return to some heavier rocking. And it's all good. I think you're ready as hell.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I actually have this lp.
I love JD's vocals. He's one of a kind.

jez

Swampdog62 said...

I have all of Black Oak Arkansas's albums and this one was released on an iffy label called "Hacienda" which didn't have money to promote anything and went belly up shortly after. With regards to the 2 "Black Oak" LPs (which were awful) there were no original members except for Jim. Shortly after, he started touring as Jim Dandy & Black Oak Arkansas. This album was the return of original guitarist Ricky Reynolds who remains to this day. Bassist Pat Doughty might have also been on it as he returned to the fold shortly after (for a little while, at least). This is an EXCELLENT LP and features lead guitarist Steve Nunenmacher who older metal heads might know as Stevie Blaze of Lillian Axe). The leads on this album "scream" which is a departure from the original bands 3 guitar attack - which primarily had more of their hillbilly roots feel (occasionally even using a banjo). BOA put out numerous LPs (some good and some not so good) but this album ROCKS is "solid" all the way though. I've seen them numerous times but on this tour it's the only time I've ever seen him use a sword as a stage prop.

Anonymous said...

bought this album & is on usa america. saw boa in seventies supporting sabbath in edinburgh. i mind the drummer played with a broken

dave said...

this is what I would call heavy dirt metal!seem them many times, great Raunch N Roll band, never will be another band like this again, ROCK ON JIM DANDY!!!!!

ozzyrulz777 said...

This is not the right tuned version. It is out of tune and really slowed down. Is there anyway I can get the original?

Skydogg said...

I don't have another version. If you find a better one, please think of me, so I can replace this. ;-)