Search - Too Slim & the Taildraggers :: Tales of Sin & Redemption

Rockin' Blues

Misty Blue | 09/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The new album by Too Slim is in my opinion his best to date. The band just seems to keep getting better. I have seem them live twice in the past year and their live shows are great. The band works hard and Too Slim (Tim Langford) can play the guitar. I picked up this album after their live show in Helena several weeks ago. Be sure to pick this CD up and all their other albums also. You won't regret it. See them live if you get the chance. It is well worth it. Play on!!!"

Save Me When I Die

Misty Blue | Hamilton, Ontario Canada | 03/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Seemingly possessed by the demons inherent in a rock'n'roll lifestyle, Too Slim has penned these 11 original songs testifying to trials and tribulations, but with salvation nevertheless close at hand. Despite a possible tongue-in-cheek perspective, the songs possess a certain sense of spirituality. For example, "Walk on Water", the percussion-heavy opening track, tells of the guidance offered by an older and wiser mentor philosophizing about human limitations.



Not all the songs are about regret, guilt and fear of retribution. However, these sentiments are expressed quite vividly on the seemingly Robert Johnson/C.C.R.-inspired "Mississippi Moon" - "....hellhounds runnin', hot after my tail [and soul], on a moonlit night on the swamp with the snakes and the alligators". The guitar-explosive "Soul Perspective", showing a slight nod to Robin Trower's "Day of the Eagle", and "Missed that Train", both underscore his determination to overcome negative forces.



Rather than berate himself too much for his weaknesses for alcohol and women, as evidenced in the radio-friendly "Brown Bottle Rock", the sultry double-entendre of "Broad Minded" or the slinky rockabilly edge of "Some Kinda Momma", Too Slim rejoices in these celebratory vices. Maybe he's not quite ready to be saved yet!



The nostalgic, but overly-long "Wish I Was Fishin" and "Oven Burnin' Woman" are funk-blues-jazz-rock mixtures, the latter offering a sensual analogy to wood-chopping not unlike blues-harper David Rotundo's "Can I Come In Your Kitchen", which gives a new meaning to "cooking"!



"Flatback Flathead", a slide guitar scorcher with a driving beat, is the requisite car song. It's right up there with Deep Purple's "Highway Star", David Lindley's "Mercury Blues" or Golden Earrings' "Radar Love".



The CD closer is an excellent smooth jazz instrumental showcase that reinforces the tightness they have accomplished as a team, while displaying the tremendous individual talents of these three musicians.



Diane Wells

"

Best Contemporary Blues/Rock Album of 2003!

Misty Blue | 08/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the CD at one of their live shows and I can't quit listening to it. Too Slim is an incredibly talented guitar player/song writer. This CD is pure americana with influences ranging from CCR to The Allman Brothers to ZZ Top and Johnny Winter. Buy it you will like it!!!"