HASIL ADKINS IS LEGEND
Hank DEE | bulgaria | 02/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Holy smoke! The Haze is a true American treasure. Doubt it? Take yerself a listen. Bite off this chunk of calamine-marinated live live live trash-art from the Appalacian Elvis. A lovely set wherein he makes certain that we know Miss Molly "sure likes to ball", he hunches-up the classic "Walkin' The Dog" by stripping it down to its essential two lines "If you don't know how to do it/I'll show you how to walk the dog". Better wear yer teflon underoos, cuz "Boo Boo the Cat" curls up in yer lap and sharpens her claws. This IS the true live Haze in his natural habitat, even though it may not include some best-loved classics like "She Said", "No More Hot Dogs" or "We Gotta Date". Still essential listening. Look for Hasil's inimitable narration in the low-budget independent film classic DIE YOU ZOMBIE BASTARDS! Long live The King."
Better to get one of his studio albums....
J. Michael Showalter | Nashville, TN United States | 12/16/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Any kids coming out to buy some Hasil Adkins better not start here. This might be Hasil in his natural habitat: but, for unaccustomed listeners, it's not going to be a habitat that is most amenable for them to hear him in. This is a noisy album that was recorded in bars and small clubs all over the place: Hasil might be going nuts on every track BUT so will you trying to eek out feeling and the whole vibe of Hasil without the benefit of a studio or a decent recording.I like Hasil Adkins a lot. He's as raw as music gets as far as feeling counts: probably closer in attitude to Da Lench Mob than Garth Brooks (seeing how the latter mis much more contrived than the former). He is an American treasure for all that title is worth. And he would be punk music taken to its nth degree: there is NOTHING that this man is doing besides presiding over the same bizarre sound that has passed through the Boone County for generations. If you like this, get a copy of 'Jesco White: the Dancing Outlaw' off of Ebay (or here, if they have it....) That's Appalachia at its finest...."