Even before putting on this album for the first time I got a sense of what it holds. A label on the front of the jewel case announces "The new band featuring members of North Mississippi Allstars." The music doesn't disappoint. From the opening of "Alice Mae" (written by RL Burnside), you get the same lowdown funky blues that North Mississippi Allstars delivers. The lyrics of "Hill Country Revue" pretty much say it all: "Hill Country Revue is coming. Stomp your shoes." You'll want to do a lot of stomping of your shoes, and shaking your moneymaker when this tune plays. Hill Country Revue performs a wicked version of "Georgia Women," also written by RL Burnside and featured on his tremendous album Mr. Wizard.
Oh, and did I say lowdown? Well, if you like lowdown gritty blues tunes, you will love "Dirty Shirt," which is as lowdown a tune as you can find anywhere. Or at least until three songs later when "Let's Talk About Me and You." Both songs feature some hot slide guitar that just might make you realize that there is nothing better in music than that sound.
The band follows with "You Can Make It," which features some guitar work that is pretty reminiscent of Allman Brothers. So, yeah, you might want to keep your groove shoes on for that one.
Overall, this is a tremendous CD. It is filled top to bottom with songs that will make you want to move and for that reason, should be included in any party playlist you might have. If you like North Mississippi Allstars, or if you just like groovy, gritty blues in general, then this is an album you definitely should add to your collection.
