Recommended Albums #61

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Southern Culture on the Skids: Countrypolitan Favorites (2007)

In 2007 Southern Culture on the Skids took a break from recording their distinctive brand of hillbilly surf rock originals to have a go at some of Nashville’s chestnuts from decades past, as well as a few straight rock artifacts.

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Now, not only am I typically not big on cover songs, but I happen to be a particular fan of the original versions of songs like Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden”, the Byrds’ “Have You Seen Her Face” and Roger Miller’s “Engine Engine #9”.

But Rick Miller’s guitar work, Mary Huff’s vocals, the ripping arrangements and the band’s winsome charisma only add more layers to love.

Yeah, it would be easy to say this isn’t your bag, because chances are you’re not in the habit of listening to “toe-sucking geek rock” as Miller and company describe themselves. But whether you remember the original versions or not, these are deservedly timeless tunes and Southern Culture’s versions are not only credible, they are a blast.

Listen to: “Oh Lonesome Me”:

Listen to: “Wolverton Mountain”

Listen to: “Rose Garden”

Listen to: “Have You Seen Her Face”

Listen to: “Engine Engine #9”

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/06/12/songs-you-may-have-missed-425/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/03/12/songs-you-may-have-missed-45/

Songs You May Have Missed #425

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Southern Culture on the Skids: “Soul City” (1996)

After three independent releases, Southern Culture on the Skids signed with a major label and released Dirt Track Date, which was a default-greatest hits of sorts, as about half its songs were seeing re-release, this time to a wider audience.

“Soul City” pretty much typifies the band’s early sound with its rousing soul-and-rockabilly hybrid and smartly dumbed-down lyrical viewpoint. It’s the sound of a tight musical unit defining its sound and finding its niche.

Some stellar percussion touches (some provided by a guitar) add a lot to this track.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/03/12/songs-you-may-have-missed-45/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2015/04/05/recommended-albums-61/

Songs You May Have Missed #45

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Southern Culture on the Skids: “Liquored Up and Lacquered Down” (2000)

“This one’s dedicated to big hair…and high balls”, says guitarist and vocalist Rick Miller as he introduces this song on SCOTS’s live album. Although their sound is typically more along the lines of a country/surf guitar/rockabilly blend, “Liquored Up and Lacquered Down” isn’t a bad calling card for their winking, deliberately white-trashy, double-entendre laden, good-time party sound. They’ve carved out a sound and a look of their own: Miller is a walking tribute to bad taste in clothing; bassist Mary Huff, who sports the big hair herself, just might be dressed like a waitress from a roadside greasy spoon if you see them live. And you should. Hank definitely did NOT do it this way.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/06/12/songs-you-may-have-missed-425/

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2015/04/05/recommended-albums-61/