After over 30 years performing and touring together, Southern Culture on the Skids is an institution in the world of roots music. The rockabilly-fusion band, featuring Dave Hartman on drums, Mary Huff on vocals/bass, and Rick Miller on vocals/guitar, presents their newest offering, Bootleggers Choice, presents new recordings of fan favorites from the out-of-print albums Dirt Track Date and Plastic Seat Sweat. The session was recorded with the help of producer/engineer Mark Williams at the band’s own Kuzdu Ranch.
Persistently hard to pigeonhole into one single genre, the group transitions seamlessly between country stompers and funk fusion, bringing in soul influence and psychedelia to create a unique pallet that is undeniably their own. This is an album that makes you want to get up and groove. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet all the same is clearly a work by some of the most skilled and experienced professional musicians on the road today. This album is so full of exceptional songs it’s hard to give each the credit they deserve. At 16 songs, it’s hard to give a case-by-case rundown of each. That said, in listening to Bootleggers Choice, I was struck by the band’s ability to turn any idea into a song. Food based rockers “Eight Piece Box,” “Fried Chicken and Gasoline,” and “Banana Pudding” exhibit some of the south’s most iconic dishes in a fresh format. You’d be hard pressed to find another band that can write three great songs about food. “Galley Slave” stands out as the only instrumental track on the album, showcasing exceptional guitar performance from Miller. Other notable songs include “Earthmover,” “Nitty Gritty,” “Camel Walk,” and “Whole Lotta Things.”
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern Culture on the Skids, or are looking for music that will push the boundaries of genre and songwriting, you’ll find something to enjoy in Bootleggers Choice. Get your copy here: www.scots.com