Happy Halloween from 'Rebel' Rods "From Under The Basement"!

Southern Culture on the Skids’ “Zombified” (Kudzu Records) should be at the top of your list this Halloween –

By ‘Rebel’ Rod Ames


I have been an outright fan of Southern Culture on the Skids since, well I can’t remember how long. I know it has been a very long time though. Perhaps not since their infancy circa 1983, but certainly since the early to mid 90’s, this remarkable trio has been emitting their unique brand of rock-a-billy from my speakers.

They have graced their fans with many incredible albums – “Ditch Diggin’” (1992), “Dirt Track Date” (1995), and “Plastic Seat Sweat” (1997) to name a few. In 1998, “Zombified” was released as a five song EP in Australia!

Fast forward to today and they have added another eight songs to the EP making it a ghoul’s dozen and something special for my favorite holiday, Halloween.

What Southern Culture on the Skids has done, is take the sometimes extremely exploitive and always gratuitously violent movies we here in the South, used to pay $.99 per carload to get into the drive-in to see. If we didn’t have the $.99, you crawled into the massive trunk of the (in my case) 1967 Plymouth Fury III convertible, and snuck in. Ahh, the times we had!

For all you youngsters out there, a drive-in was an outdoor theater with movie screens the size of a football field. I’m exaggerating, but they were quite huge. Bigger than the average IMAX screen for sure!

You could drink beer, smoke weed (not condoning, merely stating a fact), eat hot dogs and popcorn, that you brought in yourself, or if you prefer, you could purchase the dogs and the popcorn from the cockroach and rodent feces tainted concession stand! These were grand old times and I’m starting to sound like a crotchety old man now, so I will get back to the music.

Southern Culture on the Skids has put together a fantastic, and what some may consider to be a seasonal album. I, on the other hand consider most of the tunes on this album as something I would listen to year round. Of course, I should also explain, I watch horror and sci-fi year round as well.

Seriously, Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Sinister Purpose” if not for the daunting title would simply be considered a fantastic instrumental. It most definitely will be heard frequently on my show, as will The “The Creeper” and several other tunes on this record. These two tunes are spectacularly performed instrumentals. In fact, I used “The Creeper” to open my show this past Saturday evening.

The point is that the trio consisting of original members, Dave Hartman, Mary Huff, and Rick Miller are as much fun to listen today, as they were when they first emerged from Chapel Hill, North Carolina back in 1983.

The album was released on September 27, but I wanted to wait until my favorite time of the year to put it on my blog, and is there a better day than the day before Halloween? Their publicist or promoter would probably have disagreed, but I’m not a publicist. However, if I was, I would have released this collection of ‘13’ (you gotta love it) Halloween treats for the ears, on the Friday before Halloween! That’s just me though.

If you’re looking for an entertaining record for the Halloween party, or if you just love good fun rock ‘n roll music, Southern Culture on the Skids’ “Zombified” should be at the top of your list.

‘Rebel’ Rod says to check out “Zombified” or be damned to hell! 

13ghosts’ “Liar’s Melody” (This is American Music) A pure, to the bone, mesmerizing collection of roots rock

By ‘Rebel’ Rod Ames


Even though my favorite song on this collection of ten incredible tunes can never be played on my radio show (thanks a lot FCC!), there is still plenty to go around. I’ll just go ahead and say it now. It’s getting close to that time of the year anyway. This motherfucker is going to be on my top 10 list, possibly the numero uno spot! Pardon my language but I’m listening to it right now and it so raucously good, I just can’t restrain myself!

This has happened a couple times this year, but not to the level 13ghosts’ “Liar’s Melody” takes the listener. One of the many things I love about this record (and believe me there are many) is that it satisfies both of my favorite genre cravings, the roots country side and the hard core, rock they [13 ghosts] continuously expose us to. They are equally successful at whatever they are performing, be it rock or be it an alt-country ballad.

This maybe one of the best collection of tunes on one LP that I’ve heard since Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush”, which could be considered somewhat ironic given the fact that 13ghosts hails from Birmingham, Alabama. Anyone aware of the history Mr. Young and Lynard Skynard shared with one another will know of what I am speaking. That is a topic for another day perhaps. However, I suspect the band was most likely strongly influenced by both to some degree.

13ghosts have their own inimitable sound, although the arrangements, the distorted, hard-driving guitars, the strong vocals, and then almost seamlessly switching to a soft bittersweet folk or country ballad will be reminiscent of Mr. Young.

The lyrics range from the sublimely perverse (Cocksucker) to a more transcendently rustic (Tractor Rut), while always maintaining their signature edginess regardless of the direction of the tune.

13ghosts consists of Brad Armstrong at the helm on lead vocals and guitar, Sammy Boggan on bass, A. Vernon as multi-instrumentalist, and Jason Lucia on drums.

The band recently came out of a self imposed hiatus. While disbanded, Armstrong remained finely tuned by recording an album (“Bottle of Garland Flies” for Skybucket Records). In addition, he united with the Dexateens while they were in the midst of a gruelingly tour over most of the U.S.

This all appears to have kept him in fine form when he returned to Alabama, reforming 13ghosts. In a relatively short period of time This is American Music was offering this ingeniously produced set of original tunes on their website, and get this, it is only five bucks! Currently, this is the only way you can posses a copy of “Liar’s Melody”. They do intend to release CD’s later on.

Friends, this is one hell of a record. ‘Rebel’ Rod says to get off your collective posteriors and obtain a copy of this incredible new collection of songs from 13ghosts. This is American Music at its best!

Ian Siegal and the Youngest Sons new album, “The Skinny” (Nugene Records), is the Real Deal!

By ‘Rebel’ Rod Ames


I love it when the title of the record describes precisely what a recording is. “The Skinny” is a term, mostly used in the blues world describing what is real, or to be more exact, the “Real Deal”. It does not stop there either. Even the band’s name describes exactly what is contained within this collection of eleven brilliantly written and performed tunes.

Backing up Mr. Siegal, the listener’s ears will be blessed with the fine musicianship. You see, back in 2010 Ian Siegal left the UK and traveled with his guitar and that incredible voice of his, intended to sing the blues, to the North Mississippi studio of the late Jim Dickinson. This journey resulted in the recording of this tasty treat for the ears with drummer/percussionist/bassist/producer Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars and son of Jim), guitarist/bassist Garry Burnside (son of the late R.L.), guitarist Robert Kimbrough (son of the late Junior) and drummer Rodd Bland (son of Bobby “Blue”). Hence, the “youngest sons” of their celebrated fathers. Finally, Alvin Youngblood Hart (guitar, vocals), Andre Turner (fife, vocals), Duwayne Burnside (drums and grandson of R.L.) and Quintez (drums) complete this amazing cast of musical rebels.

Mr. Siegal explains, “…it was pretty unique and unlike any previous recording I’ve done. I always like to do things a little ‘on the fly,’ but this was another level! With so little preparation time, no one involved had heard any material before we met on day one at the studio…once we started playing, developing grooves and ideas, it really got cooking. To have the legacy and history that comes with members of the Dickinson, Burnside, Kimbrough and Bland families was such an honor. Cousins, brothers, wives, girlfriends and kids dotted around us as we played in a real family atmosphere. Cody’s mother, the lovely Mary Dickinson, told me how the North Mississippi bluesmen tended to be more settled than their itinerant Delta contemporaries. I had a blast recording with the guys – incredible, instinctive musicians, not to mention producer and engineer.”

You can mark my words; the listener will be captivated from the very first note played on the very first title track, “The Skinny”, all the way through track eleven, “Hopper (Blues for Dennis)”. It never strays away from its approach always remaining on course. They never try to incorporate other genres into the mix; it [the music] is just like my whiskey when I used to drink -Straight-up!

Every tune on this album was penned by Mr. Siegal, save for “Stud Spider”, which was written by Tony Joe White. Its obvious Siegal was heavily influenced – hell – he was somehow transcendentally born of the Mississippi Delta – where this particular brand of the blues emerged way back. The UK was just happens to be where his physical body was born.

I have been inundated with great album after great album this entire year, making it impossible in the next month or two to come up with a top 10 list, instead forcing me to at least come up with a minimum of a top 20 list. I am not sure that is fair to so many great artists I have had the pleasure to hear this year.

One thing is for certain though, Ian Siegal and the Youngest Sons, “The Skinny” most likely has worked its way into my top 10 if not the top 5 best records I have so far heard this year.

Ian Siegal and the Youngest Sons, “The Skinny” was released on October 25 on Nugene Records.

‘Rebel’ Rod says you’re just musically ignorant if you do not check this bad boy out!

The Reneaus’ “Room for Roses” is a wonderfully enchanting debut album -

By ‘Rebel’ Rod Ames


Let me just say this, and it’s going to sound like some sort of a plug for Review Shine, and maybe it is, but so what! Since joining up with them, some amazing sounds have penetrated that pleasure zone of my brain, that leaves the ears extremely satisfied.

Enter The Reneaus from Bowling Green, Kentucky with Ashley Cooper Winn’s deceivingly sweet sounding voice backed up by a band that must know her well (I believe I read that they are all related). She penned every song on the album and they [the band] back her up perfectly. They can go from almost country to almost rock in nothing flat.

Take what I would have to call my favorite tune on the album, “Logs and Specks”. It starts out with a lead guitar and alternate gently strummed banjo, which soon takes somewhat of a backseat to the guitar. The banjo doesn’t drop out, but instead stays just underneath the vocals and the guitar with a soft pluck of the strings to remind us of its subtle presence.

This creates a style, adding another dimension to the banjo we are not often privileged to hear. The guitar howls but never overshadows the primary instrument, Ms. Winn’s stunningly supple voice. This particular tune reminds me of something you might hear from Texas troubadour, Ray Wylie Hubbard. It contains that element of grit that can add an extra layer of texture to an already deeply textured song.

I have focused on just one of eleven great tunes, but trust me; every tune on the record is nothing less than terrific. They never miss. “Logs and Specks” just stood out more to me. Each listener will undoubtedly have their own personal favorite. I presume that is part of the magic of “Room for Roses”.

The band is really quite remarkable, always present to compliment Ms. Winn’s voice and never getting in her way. They are Steven Page – Guitar/ Bass/ Organ/ Pedal Steel/ Vocals, David Page – Percussion, Warren Guyer – Bass/ Piano/ Vocals, and Layne Guyer – Strings/ Banjo/ Vocals.

I quite frankly don’t have any idea what they may be putting in the water up there in Bowling Green, but I sure wish I could have a little sip. I suppose listening to this wonderfully enchanting debut album from The Reneaus will have to suffice for now.

They are oh-so-good! ‘Rebel’ Rod says to check them out!

Jack Cade and the Everyday Sinners "This Fiery Road" (Collision Music) is "simply" brilliant

By 'Rebel' Rod Ames

What can I say about Jack Cade and the Everyday Sinners? Well, I try to keep my reviews between 250 to 550 words so I will see what I can do.

Take about two cups of Johnny Cash add a dash or two of Tom Waits, and a smidgen of the psychobilly or punk roots that began molding him years ago, and you have Jack Cade.

His debut album “This Fiery Road” comes after, as he puts it, he found his voice hearing an old Johnny Cash tune, “Man Comes Around”, and apparently discovering his voice matched up nicely with the relatively simple songs he pens.

Do not let that word simple fool you though. Simple in my book is brilliant, and it is especially so in this case. An added bonus is the band he has behind these simply composed tunes which helps every song on the album to achieve success!

Along with Mr. Cades gruff yet soothing vocals the rest of the Everyday Sinners is comprised of Tom Anderson (Guitar, Mandolin, Piano and Saxophone), Andy Goodchild (Drums and Percussion), Phil Berry (Bass), Andy Purcell (Hammond and Piano) and Ben Cox-Smith (Dobro Slide). Guesting on several tracks are Matt Holland (Brass), Tony Whennell (Clarinet), Richard Whennell (Piano and backing vocals), Chris Haigh (Fiddle) and Alex Anderson (Drums).

I love this album for so many reasons. It’s honky-tonk or is it? It’s country, or is it? It’s blues, or is it? It continuously keeps the listener guessing. I on the other hand, after hearing the first track, the title cut, “This Fiery Road”, decided not to categorize, but instead, simply enjoy this extremely unique brand of whatever it is.

The amazingly talented Ivan Neville was asked to describe the genre of music the audience was witnessing in Brooklyn, NY last year at the Soulive-Bowlive festival - he said, "These are some of my favorite people...I'm a fan!" Then when asked from what genre this music is he replies, "Good Music, the genre is Good Music!"

That is what I prefer to say when I’m being placed in the position of trying to categorize something. I simply say, “the Genre is good music”! That is what this is, Good Music. You will notice I capitalized both the ‘G’ and the ‘M’. That is to create a new genre, a proper noun if you will, when it comes to describing incredible musicians such as Jack Cade and the Everyday Sinners.

This album is comprised of one great song after the other, loaded with lyrics that come from way down deep in the area of the spiritual body, either right next to, or actually residing within his soul. Each song is sung with emotion and never loses its way in the process.

Jack Cade and the Everyday Sinner’s, “This Fiery Road” was released on September 7 on Collision Music.

‘Rebel’ Rod says to check it out!