Stillwater - Runnin' Free (1998)

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After having been off the radar for close to 20 years, Stillwater surprisingly reemerged with this great come-back album in 1998. "Runnin' Free" sounds like they never left and no time had past. Well, almost. The album kicks off with "The Big Payback", an original Causey/Walker song, which had previously been recorded by Molly Hatchet for their "Lightning Strikes Twice" album. And it's that distinctive Stillwater sound alright. What we get from there is a slightly updated version of the Stillwater we know from their two Capricorn releases from the 70's. And it's really cool to hear old Southern Rockers delivering the goods after so many years of absence. Though it doesn't grab me as much as the old albums did, I thoroughly enjoy listening to this album. I guess the main difference is that it all sounds somewhat poppier and there seems to be less room for extended soloing/improvisation. But that's the curse of the 80's music, which left its mark on most Southern Rock released after the 70's. It still rocks. And it still has enough Soul to have you believing this is the real deal. Enough diversity here to make repeat playing worth your while. Ready to rock?

Chris Anderson - Old Friend (1995)

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Chris Anderson is a name that could ring a bell with fans of The Outlaws. Chris played with The Outlaws from 1986–1989 and has rejoined in 2005. In between he also played with Blackhawk. This is quite different fare, though. Recorded in 1995, this was pretty much the thing to do at the time: record an album full of uneventful, contemporary Blues Rock. Much in the vein of the Gary Moore blues albums, this is slick, rather bland Blues Rock. Les Dudek made an album like that too, very forgettable. But there are some gems hidden here, which will make you pleased having taken the trouble getting it. And if you like (Southern) Blues Rock, this could knock you off your feet. I guess. My favorite track is "Jake's Song", which makes it pretty clear we're on Southern Rock turf here. And I basically enjoy the second half of this album very much. Thanks to Templar33 for bringing this to my (and your) attention. I lost some e-mails, so I'm not sure that's what he calls himself. Anyway, good stuff. Trust me.

Richard Torrance - Bit Torrance (2010)

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I'm a fan of Richard Torrance and I used to have some of his album posted here as vinyl rips. Then Steve sent me the "Living Today" rip and pointed out the fact that these days Richard was selling all of his albums on his homepage. Thank you Steve and you are right. Hence I pulled them all, instead offering you a sampler which features songs from all of his 70's releases. But wait, check out this video first:



Yes, Richard is still making music and performing. Again, check out his website. The music is not strictly Southern Rock (and he's really from North Dakota), but it has all the ingredients to cook up a nice Funky Southern-tinged musical stew. Dig in, I say. Tracks on this sampler come from the albums:
"Eureka" (1974)
"Belle Of The Ball" (1975)
"Living Today" (1976, European release only?)
"Bareback" (1977)
"Live At The Boarding House" (1977)
"Double Take" (1978)
"Anything's Possible" (1978).
Since then he's released a couple more CD's, all available at www.richardtorrance.com.
Richard's a great singer and musician and he sure deserves your attention. So, why don't you try a bit Torrance?!

Allgood - Reel To Real (1990)

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Allgood was originally called the Allgood Music Company. The band was based out of Athens, GA. Through constant touring, the band grew a following in the southeastern United States. Constantly changing set lists and additions of new songs appealed to the masses. The band created a demo tape of original songs entitled "Reel to Real". Taking only one day to record all 8 songs, the band used this for promotion to get gigs at bars and colleges. Next up was a 45 rpm called "Meat Salad". "Meat Salad" was sent to the college radio stations looking for more exposure.
This is "Reel To Real" including the tracks that made up the "Meat Salad" 45. It sounds like what it is, a collection of songs, demoed by a bunch of enthusiasts. The band gets funky occasionally and the songs are worth hearing again. This was a great band back then. Too bad they split. But at least they left us some fine music. It's Allgood..

Rusty Wier - Don't It Make You Wanna Dance? (1975)

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"Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?" is Rusty Wier's second album and, since it features his most covered track "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?", likely to be his best known. Some artists you just can't go wrong with, Rusty Wier being one for sure. Rusty's music is the best among Outlaw Country/Austin Country, and this album sure nuff confirms that statement with ease. Besides the title-track, here we also find the beautiful "Sally Mae". And this album knows plenty Southern Rock moments as well. Lovely album by a lovely artists (alas no longer with us). Broaden your horizon and get this. Sing me..

Live Bait - EP (1995?)

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Live Bait is a band connected to Ned and features Norman Reim. This is a four song EP, which sounds like it was demo sold at live shows. It was provided to us all by Slidewell, and this is the information he had on this project:
Unfortunately Live Bait never came within a country mile of a recording contract. These 4 songs were self-produced and were basically a souvenir for the lucky few attending their rare live performances in the wilds of central New Jersey. The band consisted of:
Norman Reim: vocals, guitar
Kenny Heller: lead guitar
Max Crandall: drums
Anita Crandall: bass
Musically it's easygoing Americana really. Some definite Southern flavor, but any Outlaw Country fan would be just as pleased. Sometimes it reminded me a lot of Billy Joe Shaver. Very enjoyable. These day Ned are back as a unit again. Having released another CD as well, you can find out about that on their website. Let me hook you up with some Live Bait...

Ian Moore - Live From Austin (1994)

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"Live From Austin" was Ian Moore's second release. And a hot live one at that. Running at around 35 minutes and just 5 songs, this is still very much worth your attention. Bluesy Southern Rock played with verve and passionate vocals to boot. If you enjoyed Ian Moore's first album, you'll find this is where he really gets the chance to show off. And do that with flying colors. Great tasty live record, this one. Recommended for sure. Satisfied...

Whiskey River - Whiskey River (1978)

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This is the first album released by Whiskey River. I posted their second release a while back with the promise to post this. And I was getting asked about it too. Well, here it is. Another fine contribution by Luc (who's been one of my main providers). Thanks man. As for the music, it's another batch of Southern Country Rock. Not always as strong as the second album, this slice of vinyl breathes enthusiasm and will keep you up and up all night. About half the songs are originals, the other half covers. Nice version of Waylon's "Rainy Day Woman". And lots of fiddlin' about.. Southern Rock with the emphasis on Country Pickin'.

Dan Penn - Singles & Demos

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Another pot of gold, as far as I'm concerned. And for those of you that read the Peter Guralnick book "Sweet Soul Music", this is about just as good as he made this stuff out to be. Peter said some very, very nice words about Dan Penn and his recordings, including the demos. And here we have some singles (not all, but none released on any regular albums) and demos, mostly from the 60's. And 26 of 'em. I found these files on 'My Blog Too', though I did try to clean them up some. I was very grateful finding them. I hope someone will find the rest soon as well. But until then, what we have here is a bunch of terrific Country Soul music. Some of the vinyl was seriously wounded, but it's still well worth checking out. I mean come on, it's Dan Penn! Creator of some of the finest Southern Soul classics ever. Maybe the people at Bear Family Records could turn this into one of their ambitious projects. That would sure please me. So sit you down, have a glass of red wine and enjoy Dan Penn at his very obscurest. But pretty. Diamonds..

Moonshine - Demos (2010)

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Not a full album, instead this is a three track demo from 2010. Courtesy of E. Anonymous (thanks!). It features one new track and cover versions of "Stand Back" (Allman Bros) and "Cheap Sunglasses" (ZZ Top) Moonshine reformed? Anyway, this is a nice Southern Funky Blues Rock track. What are they spendin' time on?

Joe Sun - The Sun Never Sets (1984)

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Another Joe Sun record for ya! "The Sun Never Sets" is as good as any Joe Sun record. The man just won't ever let you down. Then again, neither will he shock you with anything unexpected. But that's just fine by me. So what you get is another classic Outlaw Country album that can hold its own with the best of the genre. I never tire of his beautiful gravelly voice, nor does his Outlaw Country repertoire ever disappoint me. Quality stuff here. And some hot picking as well! Just goes to show, not everything I like the most is bad for me.

The Outlaws - So Low (2002)

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"So Low" is the last album released by Hughie Thomasson as The Outlaws. Though I've also read it was actually a Hughie Thomasson solo album. Same difference. It's slightly more Country than previous Outlaws records, but there's still plenty to get riled up about. It's been out of print almost as soon as it had its release, so enjoy y'all. What I really had in mind to bring to attention is the legal dispute going on between Henry Paul and Hughie's widow. Apparently the original idea was for Henry Paul to carry on The Outlaws while the latest studio recordings would see their release. But then Hughie's widow had a run-in with Paul and decided it should be a different line-up. Exit Henry Paul and enter Chris Hicks. Rumors about what it's going to be, have been continuing for several months now. Since Hughie's past away, we're all awaiting the release of "Once An Outlaw". But as long as this unholy war is going on we will not see anything, I guess. My suggestion: get both Chris Hicks and Henry Paul in this new Outlaws line-up. I can't see any right minded Southern Rock fan object to that. And then get that album out before the first generation of Southern Rock fans are all dead and buried as well. Well, until they get all that sorted out, enjoy Mr. Cowboy..

Fountainhead - Straight From The Source's Mouth (1982)

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Founded in 1974, Fountainhead are still a touring band today. They released two albums, a live set in 1980 and this album, "Straight From The Source's Mouth", in 1982. It's a very nice record with lots of uptempo songs and it's Southern Rock with the emphasis on rock. Vocally it's not too hot, but they play with lots of enthusiasm which will have you toe tapping in no time. I especially like the songs "Red Hot", "Take Me To The Block" and "Night Of The Hunter". I'd rather not listen too closely to the lyrics, but this is great for a raunchy Friday night with lots of beer. Dang, I'm thirsty already. Cheers!

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Now Hear This! (1990)

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"Now Hear This!" was a cassette only release by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and only sold at their concerts. Close on the heels of their
"Heart Of The Country" and "Modern History" albums, this actually doubles 6 tracks of those albums. Which leaves us with 4 tracks unknown up till that time. "Hilltop Girl", "There Ought To Be A Law", Gonna Buy Me A Car" and "Flame Of Laredo". All good stuff. This version features two bonus track: "Dreams" and "Better Days". Quality overall is pretty good. And the music is as good as ever. I had this provided to me by both Holger and Mark; thanks guys! OMD was always one of the finer bands on the Country side of Southern Rock. In my opinion. Which is one that counts here ;-) Now hear this!