Search - Omar & Howlers :: Monkeyland

Gritty Guitar, Gritty Vocals; Texas Blues Rock At It's Best!

John Casey | Wheatland, Ca. USA | 05/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in 1990 on the Texas-based Antone's label, "Monkey Land" shows why Omar (Kent Dykes) & the Howlers have such a enthusiastic following world-wide. Backed by much of the original Howlers line-up, Omar self-produced this hot blues-rock effort with a little studio help from guitarist Dick Wagner. If you aren't familiar with Dick, he was part of the twin-guitar attack on Lou Reed's "Rock & Roll Animal" live Lp, and co-wrote two of the songs here. And what a great line-up of songs! Most written by Omar, but wait until you hear his blues wail on the Beatles "She's A Woman"! In the liner notes he says he wanted to do it like "Howlin' Wolf", and the result is a killer! Omar can sound like a cross between Tom Waits & Captain Beefheart with maybe a little sharper edge that shreds through lyrics and puts him up with some of the best blues wailers you ever heard.
Other highlights: "Tonight I Think of You", solid rocker with the drums way up front; "Big Town Shakedown" with earthquake thumping bass with the classic Omar Fender guitar licks; and don't miss "Night Shadows", a classic Bob Seger type ballad that showcases Omar's songwriting prowess. A great album for your collection, and an instant kick in the [rear] for your next party!"

If you like Omar, you have to get Monkeyland!

ShyViolet | Binghamton, NY | 03/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I stumbled on this group a couple months ago.

I love them and have most of their cd's. But I would strongly suggest that

if you do not have Monkeyland, that you get it even if you have to buy it used.

All the songs are great, but his song "Night Shadows" absolutely amazes me.

I am loosing a loved one, but this song is giving me so much peace.

And then he does a song that just makes me get up and dance, dance, dance.

And I am 62 and haven't liked any music like this since the original "king"!

You will not be disappointed in this cd!"

Good listening

W. Landis | des moines, iowa | 04/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"omar's deep, growly voice added to the texas blues sound makes for a perfect match. have a fire extinguisher handy, this cd will make your speakers run hot!"