Wet Willie - The Bottom Line (1977)

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Wet Willie live at The Bottom Line is a great soundboard, with the band sounding at their hottest. This is an excellent recording and features their finest tunes, like "Keep On Smilin'", "Street Corner Serenade" and "Country Side Of Life". Really, what can I say that I haven't already said about Wet Willie? These guys are the kings of Southern Soul Rock and this show will surely spice up the evening. Jimmy Hall's in great form, as is the whole band. Dixie Rock!

Creed - Creed (1978)

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Don't be fooled by the name, this is the Southern Rock band from the 70's. Very much on the Hard Rock side of the Southern Rock spectrum, this is a rocking good album. Maybe the vocals aren't spectacular, they do the job. But the songs and the playing is all alright. Besides the mandatory good guitar picking, some really nice and tasteful keyboards/synths. This is late 70's rock at its very 70's. Creed were from Memphis and only released another EP before disbanding (though they do play the occasional reunion show). Steve Ingle would later make his appearance on "Down In The Dirt" by the Delta Rebels and Hal Butler would work with Jimi Jamison (of Survivor and Target). You want fireworks? It's a Firecracker!

Sweet Salvation - Sweet Salvation (1972)

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It's funny with this album. I been meaning to make a rip of this album since I started writing this blog, just never got round to it. Cause it's such a nice record with a great mix of Soul, Rock, Gospel and what have you. But completely missing that it had been circulating on the net since 2010. It was even posted on one of my favorite blogs, The Basement Rug, where you can read a lot about this release and its origin. So, I'll just quote this bit: "Led by long-established New Orleans musicians drummer “Big John” John Thomassie, keyboard player Wayne DeVillier and guitarist Don Normand, Sweet Salvation could have been one of the all-time great r&b/funk/rock/gospel bands. Unfortunately due to business mis-steps and bad timing it was not meant to be. Also featuring 2 great women singers, DeEtta Little and Fritz Basket, and Alex Smith on bass, Sweet Salvation covered ground that includes New Orleans second line, blues, r&b, rock and 70€²s funk. They were very much connected to Allen Toussaint and the Meters, but maybe heavier in sound and style, closer to rock."
Apparently, this has also been released on CD. And the rip included here is not the one yet circulating but my own. Oh well, can't get enough of a good thing? Stick with me ;-)

Jimmy Hall - Cadillac Tracks (1982)

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"Cadillac Tracks" is the second solo album by Jimmy Hall, the voice of Wet Willie. This is 1982 and it shows (audio-wise that is ;)). There's not much left of the Wet Willie sound either. Instead, what you get is a decent Southern tinged Pop Rock album. But, admittedly, a good few well crafted tunes, and musically everything is tip-top. Mostly covers, of which several had also been recorded by other artists around this time. My favorites are the two that had Jimmy's hand in writing; "Cadillac Tracks" and "Make A Miracle". But it's a really nice Pop Rock album. And Jimmy is one of the finest vocalists in Southern Rock. It's your move.

Downloading a virus? Not really...

I had several people asking me about downloading from Uploading.com, since it wants you to download with the accelerator. Apparently some virus scanners consider the accelerator to be a virus or malware. However, if you follow the steps below, it should allow you to download regularly. I don't know whether your browser of choice has any influence on it working like this. I use Firefox and it works for me like this: as soon as you open the Uploading.com page, uncheck the box and wait for the countdown to finish. Then you can click 'download file now' without using the accelerator. Hope this helps ;)

Some more information/explanation can be found here: Reputation of uploading.com and DL Accelerator Adware uploading.com (TSULoader) Does that help?

Rich Mountain Tower - Can't You Feel It? (1976)

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Okay, here is number three by Rich Mountain Tower. Or actually their second, but third on this blog. My first posts were well received, so I hope this one will please you just as much. Musically it fits right in with the other two and it's a very nice hippie-esque Souhern Rock album. Good songs, sweet harmonies, great playing. To start off this new year, I say happy new year all! Hundred blessings ;-)

Rusty Wier - Rusty & Son (1999)

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It's been some time since I last posted some Rusty Wier, but I'm more than making up for that right now (and a big thank you Frank for that). This is Rusty playing with son Coby, doing a live show that's as good as it gets. It'll put a smirk on your face as well, for Rusty's quite the storyteller with a great sense of humor. For your convenience, I would classify this as Outlaw Country, though musically there's a lot of similarities to Southern Rock. Tasty picking, characteristic vocals, good songs, great vibe. Eight songs making up for 58 minutes of good time music. Not much I can add to what I said in previous posts, but this is by no means any less than his best. Quervo's Gold?

The Outlaws - Live At Reading (1986)

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A nice set of Classic Southern Rock for you here, to warm your hearts during the holidays. Almost classic Outlaws line-up as well, since this show features both Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul. Excellent recording of The Outlaws promoting their 1986 album "Soldiers Of Fortune", this is what Southern Rock was meant to sound like. Makes me wonder if any new bands are playing Southern Rock like this. You know, with lots of attention being given to arrangement, big intros, sweet harmonies... And whatever happened to that "One An Outlaw" album?! Anyhoo, this is The Outlaws at their very best. Just the way I like it. ;)

Bonnie Bramlett - Sweet Bonnie Bramlett (1973)

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I haven't posted much Bonnie Bramlett before, but this was requested. So, here you have. It's Bonnie's first solo album and it's a very Soulful affair. Not my rip and I'm hoping for an upgrade in the future. Nevertheless, this is the voice alright. You might know her from her work with Delaney, you might know her for being the only white Ikette, but diehard Southern Rock fans will surely know her from contributions as a back-up singer for many Southern Rock releases in the 70's. And what a voice this woman has! Though this rip of the album is somewhat crackly, it's still well-worth checking out. Fired up Southern Soul Rock, guaranteed to show you a good time. And Bonnie Bramlett is still a force to be reckoned with. For those of you reluctant getting this: if you dig Wet Willie, you will surely dig this as well! Good vibrations!

The J.J. Muggler Band - J.J. Muggler (1994)

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This is The J.J. Muggler's debut album, released in 1994. It's a fine slab of juicy Southern Rock, leaning slightly more towards Blues Rock than my previous post. Still, this will surely have you grinning along the way. Excellent playing, gritty vocals and great songs. Louisiana Born & Raised!

James Montgomery - Duck Fever (1979)

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James Montgomery released his first two albums on the Capricorn label, which is my reason for posting this album. Those albums were basically harmonica driven Blues Rock albums, not very adventurous. This album however, is a vast improvement over his first outings. This is the kind of music that makes me wanna get up and dance. (Of course I don't actually do that, since I'm too cool to dance ;-)) If you dig Elvin Bishop or Wet Willie, pay attention. Here's some fine funky music for y'all. And thanks to Luc for supplying this. Some great songs and a very nice sound, without James' harmonica getting in the way too much. It features a nice cover version of The Meters' "Fire On The Bayou" and I love "Not Your Clown". Good time music for those of you that are living for the weekend...

Delta Rebels - Down In The Dirt (1989)

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Delta Rebels was a band that should appeal to fans of the Georgia Satellites. The band features Eddy Shaver (son of legend Billy Joe) and Steve Ingle of Creed. Hardly any subtleties here, this is typically no holds barred, in your face Southern Hard Rock & Roll. In my opinion better than your average Southern Boogie band, I quite enjoyed this album. The playing and singing is just alright. If you're gonna throw a party with lots of beer, this is your soundtrack, boys and girls. Kickin' down the night ;-)

Henry Paul Band - Grey Ghost (1979)

Henry Paul, a founding member of The Outlaws, has produced some great music with several groups in the Southern Rock and County Rock world. He started out in Tampa based Sienna around 1971 with Jim Fish, Monte Yoho and Frank O'Keefe, the former with the HPB and the latter two future Outlaws. After 3 albums with The Outlaws, Henry left in 1977 following "Hurry Sundown", forming the Henry Paul Band within a year.

They recorded 4 albums with "Grey Ghost" as the first and well done effort. Henry rejoined The Outlaws from 1983-1989 during the "Soldiers of Fortune" period. Since 2008, Henry has been involved with both Blackhawk and The Outlaws - after HT "Flame" passed. His easily identifiable voice, that fronted Blackhawk from 1992, is in good form here. Varied instrumentation, including keyboards and harmonica, provides some extra interest, and a jazzy hint of Sea Level.

Henry was a big part of the "Brothers of the Southland" project with Jimmy Hall, Dan Toler and Bo Bice which released a single album in 2009.

The other LPs from the HPB are "Feel the Heat", "Anytime", and lastly the self-titled one that usually begins a groups recording output, "Henry Paul Band".

Highlights: "Grey Ghost" a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant.
"So Long" also a track on the 2012 Outlaws album "It's About Pride".
"Wood Wind" an acoustic guitar work coming in under a minute.

Check this out - it's one that's worth being very familiar with. The harmonies are tight (think The Eagles), and the 3 guitar attack sizzles.

There are lots of credits on the back cover, even road personnel, but nothing on the horns added to "One-Night Stands".

Band members: Henry Paul (g, v), Jim Fish (lg, v), Bill Crain (lg), Barry Rapp (k, v), Wally Dentz (b, v, harm), Bill Hoffman (d) and special guest Joe Lala (perc).

"As the Autumn wind whispers through the tall and lonely pines, And the hour of fate is drawing close at hand, A free bird falling from the sky Brings a bitter end to another Southern man... Grey Ghost!"

Rich Mountain Tower - Rich Mountain Tower (1971)

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Rich Mountain Tower was a band from Tennessee. They put out three album, this one being their debut. Released in 1971, this is Southern Rock avant la lettre, really. The album has more similarities with Crosby, Stills & Nash than any Allman Brothers album. People that enjoy The Ozark Mountain Daredevils may very well enjoy this too. Some great harmonies and, if you can look past the hippie sensibilities of this album, some wonderful songs, that are sure to grow on you. Since there is hardly any information about this band to be found on the web, I will give you all the information provided to me by Pete, who sent this rip. Thanks Pete!
Rich MOuntain Tower - Rich Mountain Tower (Ovation Records - 1971 OV/14-12 Quadraphonic LP)
Side 1:
Uncle Bob White (Paul) 5:11
Circle Sky Moon Mix (Haspel, McNamee) 4:19
Thank You Maggie (Paul) 3:48
If You Dont Look Back (Haspel) 3:16
Our Passage Home (Paul) 3:40
Side 2:
He Ain't Got No Color, Boys (Carr, Paul, Tuccillo, Garrett) 4:09
Song of the Sea (Paul) 2:55
The Same Thing Applies to Me That Applies to You (Paul) 3:50
One Last Farewell (Paul) 2:42
Marie (Paul) 2:36
The band: David Carr - Lead /Rhythm Guitar; Sandy Garrett - Bass/Acoustic Guitar, Lead & Backing Vocals; Doug "Red Buddy" Moisson - Lead Guitar, Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Vocals; Dana Paul - Lead Vocals 12 Str Guitar, Mandolin , Keyboards, Harmonica; Bob Tucillo - Drums, Percussion
Guesting: Randy Haspel - Guitars, Vocals; Lamonte "skip" Ousley - Conga, Persussion; Charlie McCoy - Harmonica; Weldon Myrick - Peal Steel Guitar; Don Tweedy - Moog on "Maggie"; Sonny Pittman - Bass on "Maggie & the Sea"; John 'Hoffy" Hoffman - Banjo
It's a very fine album, so check out Rich Mountain Tower.

A new rip was sent to me by Mike. Made from a pristine copy, he did a 24/96 hi-rez rip of the record (acquired at 24/192). These a wv files/. Get it here!