Black Oak Arkansas - Early Times (1969)

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Before Black Oak Arkansas there was The Knowbody Else. Same band, different name. The Knowbody Else was signed to Soul label Stax Records and one album was released before they were let go. Apparently more was recorded, though. This album, "Early Times", consists of recordings done for Stax and was only released in 1974. My dating this album 1969 is really a guess, but in the chronology of Black Oak Arkansas that's just about right. Maybe some could be from 1970. As for the music, there's no mistake who's singing and playing. If you dig the Southern Raunch & Roll of Black Oak Arkansas, this might be a bit quiet. But it's a very pleasing bunch of songs all the same. And these cats may not have had the recognition they do deserve. Cause Black Oak Arkansas was already playing up a storm long before Lynyrd Skynyrd came around. So really, it was The Allman Brothers Band and Black Oak Arkansas who started that music we all love so much. And you named it Southern Rock. Older than grandpa!

Black Oak Arkansas - The Black Attack Is Back (1986)

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"The Black Attack Is Back" was the follow up to Jim Dandy's album "Ready As Hell". On the cover it still mentions Jim Dandy in big writing, Black Oak Arkansas in small letters underneath. something to do with the rights to using the name and contracts, I guess. Nevertheless, this is very much Black Oak alright. Like its predecessor, this was released on the Heavy Metal America label. Production-wise, you can tell the band no longer had the backing of a major record label. Still, the music is pretty solid. And most of all, like any BOA record, it's big fun. This one isn't gonna win over any new believers. But if you already dug Black Oak Arkansas before, you might as well grab this too. Last song on the album: "(I Want A Woman With) Big Titties". Hee-haw! Body slam!

Black Oak Arkansas - Leprechauns In Orlando (1979)

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Alright, a little bit of some harder stuff this time. This is a live broadcast of Black Oak Arkansas from 1979, with a 15 year old Shawn Lane picking some fierce guitar. The show comes one year after their dreadful Capricorn release "I'd Rather Be Sailing", but this show is actually quite energetic (as opposed to aforementioned album) and good. Though the recording itself is really raw (not quite in a state to have it officially released), this should well please any BOA fan. Quite a few songs on here which never made it onto any officials release, as well as some classics like "Jim Dandy" and "Race With The Devil". Rough Stuff.

Jim Dandy - Ready As Hell (1984)

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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.

The Knowbody Else - The Knowbody Else (1969)

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Before they sweeped the nation throughout the 70's, Black Oak Arkansas already recorded an album in 1969 as The Knowbody Else. Released on the Stax Label (famous for being a soul music label par excellence), this is a nice little hippie album. Similar in gesture to Hour Glass.
Historically speaking, this is obviously a very interesting album. And quite enjoyable as well. Quite a lot is available of BOA, but this not just yet. And it's a good rip too. So thanks to the ripper, for your enjoyment...