Search - Reverend Horton Heat :: Smoke Em If You Got Em

Can I Get An Amen?

Clark Paull | Murder City | 05/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although all of The Reverend Horton Heat's albums are well worth the scratch, this, his first, is still the best. Much more than a novelty act, the Reverend (Jim Heath) and the boys churn up a raw, smoking, frothy gumbo of rockabilly and swing. The primitive sounding production only adds to songs like "Bad Reputation," "Psychobilly Freakout," and "Marijuana." Totally uncharactistic of anything ever released on Sub Pop, "Smoke "Em If You Got 'Em" finds the Reverend gunning his guitar like a broken down Harley, but managing to get back to the garage before everything falls apart. I saw them open for The Cramps at Detroit's State Theater and they damn near stole the show. Needless to say, every time they've been back since, they've headlined. Best experienced while drinking grain alcohol. Recommended."

Get Down on Your Knees and Pray

Janitor X | The Mountains | 10/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rockabilly is the purest form of rock and roll music there is. It didn't remain popular past the late'50's and early `60's, but it can hardly be considered a fad. It is the basis for which all forms of rock and roll emerged.

The Reverend Horton Heat is not just simply copying the rockabilly of the past, but he's giving it the freedom wasn't allowed in the 1950's. He puts the energy and rebellion right out in front, something the rockabilly artists of the past were forced to be much more subtle about.

"Smoke`Em If You Got`Em" is sleazy, trashy, fun listen from beginning to end. "Bullet" is an instrumental that effectively builds the anticipation to hear the Rev burst in with his potent voice and crazy lyrics. "I'm Mad" follows up perfectly as the hardest rocking song on the album.

From there on, it's one catchy song after another. "Bad Reputation" swings like no other song and is entirely too much fun. "Psychobilly Freakout" is the twisted cousin of "Surfin' Bird" and "Eat Steak" has to one the funniest, yet demented song ever recorded.

If it's untamed rock and roll you're after, this will satisfy. It's nothing to deep or self-important. It is was it is. Pure trashy, simple fun.

"

A must have

Chris Anderson | sonoma ca | 12/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ripping instrumentals! and a raw, not over produced sound really make this album rock.

Recorded "live" (no audience) direct to 2 track contributes to the vintage sound.

The Rev is incredible, plays lead and rythm at the same time, no overdubbing."