What makes this record such a strong statement is its many sides. With nine members and four distinctly different vocalists, each song could almost be by a different band, were they not all anchored by the creative interplay of Richard Comeaux’s pedal steel guitar and the three saxophone strong St. Martin Horns. The live sound they’ve captured on tape doesn’t leave out any raw edges and occasionally C.C. Adcock throws in a refreshing guitar lick so trashy that it could’ve come out of Goldband studios in 1959. South Louisiana rock ‘n’ roll at its finest, baby!
These guys don’t just do the occasional ballad to slow things down; more than half the record is ballads. Jimmy Donley’s “Please Mr. Sandman” and Ben E. King’s “Seven Letters” are shot to new levels when drummer Warren Storm takes over the vocals; but Warren singing Tom Waits’ “That Feel” really takes things over the edge. Warren doesn’t just sing, he wrings a lyric for every bit of emotion it’s worth and aims it directly for the heart. Waits’ typically opaque lyrics shine crystal clear in his hands. He can translate with emotion just the way Jimmie Rodgers or Elvis could. Pianist David Egan contributes “First You Cry”, a heartbreaking soul ballad that measures up to anything Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham ever wrote and everyone collaborates vocally on C.C.’s “In Another Time”.
The rockers include John Fred’s “Shirley” and a rockin’ adaptation of the Balfa Brothers’ “Parlez Nous a Boire.” But the best is saved for last. Randy & the Rockets’ “(Let’s All Do The) Cajun Twist” is completely redefined by Warren’s relentless jungle drumming, Steve Riley’s accordion and a lost trick of the rock ‘n’ roll trade: the overdriven guitar solo that springs out of absolutely nowhere, explodes like a roman candle and then disappears into thin air. It’s power lies in it’s unexpectedness. Cosimo knew it and so did Sam Phillips. Adcock does too, and here he says more in forty seconds than a lot of players say in their whole careers.
It’s moments like these that prove that LBOG made the right choice in producing themselves. They know their strong points, showcase them well and don’t lose an ounce of energy or soul in the process.
