|
Cigar
Store Indians
Guest List
 A
good live recording gives you an idea of what a band really
sounds like in its native element, and then it gives you
something extra. Guest List (Overall Records, Inc.)
delivers on both counts. Cigar Store Indians are no strangers
to the diverse club scene in Atlanta, and the flavor of
two popular nightspots is conveyed well by a rip-roaring
group of tracks recorded at Smith's Olde Bar and a more
acoustic set at Eddie's Attic.
Fans
of this band's previous two CDs will encounter no new
material on this slick recording, but longtime crowd-pleasers,
like "Dirty Belly Button" and a very inspired
rendition of "Ring of Fire", have finally found
a home on compact disc. (Until now, both songs were presented
strictly in the framework of a live show.) Lead singer
and guitarist Ben Friedman can be heard interacting with
the crowd between sets, imparting the real feeling of
a performance that is not canned.
Cigar
Store Indians have a unique rockabilly sound that omits
the stand-up bass, and instead delivers a real machine
of powerful guitarists with great drum work. This is premium
rock-and-roll. Lindy hoppers will dig it too, as "Hot
Rod Concerto", "Kisses In Vain", "Heaven"
and "Tossin & Turnin'" are top of the line
jumpin' swing tracks. "El Baile de La Cobra"
may very well be one of the best token American rumbas
ever written, with a guitar riff played by Jim Lavender
that would make Dick Dale cry. In addition, this reviewer
would be remiss if he didn¹t point out the excellent
rhythms laid down by drummer Paul Barrie and bass guitarist
Keith Perissi across the board. This band has been together
for a while, and their synergy is palpable.
Finally,
pay close attention to Friedman's song writing. "Eagles
Need a Push" and "Mother of the Bride"
are brilliant, and the quality makes you understand why
CSI's second CD is so hard to get your hands on these
days. Enjoy this special live show, and join the countdown
to some equally inspired new material.
—Frankie
Hagan
Visit
the band online at www.cigarstoreindians.com
|
