Search - Tail Gators :: Swamp Rock

Great roots rock with a swamp groove. A simple gem.

07/17/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Tail Gators made a beautiful record in "Swamp Rock" -- unpretentious, simple rock trio instrumentation, flashes of virtuosity, and straightforwardness that never becomes cloying. They've got a roots rock feeling that is made for dancing with a mug of beer in hand. Don Leady, out of the LeRoi Brothers, sings with a rough-hewn honesty, and his guitar and fiddle playing are smooth and loping and right on time. Keith Ferguson on bass, out of the early Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Mudcat on drums are a flat out solid rocking groove. The songs, some Leady-penned and others obscure covers, are happy the way a dust covered farmer is happy upon finishing a solid day's plow -- kind of a strong smiling rolling stroll. There is strength in the good-time simplicity of this music. Now let's all dance.The only down side of this CD is the mix, which is sometimes a bit muddy and has the vocals low. This may have happened in the mastering of the CD -- I don't rememb! ! er the vinyl being this way, but how long has it been since I've heard the vinyl? The mix handles low volume playing poorly, but played loud the vocals seem to bloom a bit, and it's beautiful."Swamp Rock" by the Tail Gators is one of my favorite CDs and is never (NEVER!) out of the multichanger in my house. "Well they call me Rockin', 'cause I know how to rock" sings Don Leady -- and sure enough it's true!"