"Dixieland" is about a Southern boy whose handyman skills are his only chance at getting a Northern city girl to even notice him. Parks' growling guitar paces this bluesy stomper. From there, Swamp Cabbage continue their light-hearted observations of all things Dixie, but the musical inspirations leave Texas and tour the rest of the region.
A similar theme to "Dixieland" is found on the WC Handy styled "Neck Tie Man," where Lindsey's electric bass honks with such a boom it approximates a tuba run through a Marshall amp, giving this old-timey ditty a touch of that Tom Waits creepiness.
Since religion is a big part of the South, it's a theme also found on several cuts on Squeal. Besides "Jesus Tone" there's the lengthy reworking of Dr. John's "I Walk On Guilded Splinters" called "Poontang." It's about a man coaxed to buying a rhinestoned bible and attending church by the allure of two D-cupped "hallelujahs."
On the other hand, "Delegation" pokes fun at people whose faith leads them to believe that all their problems will be solved by sitting idly by and waiting for the Good Lord to take care of them. The joyful New Orleans stomp backdrop and country-picked guitar provide the perfect backdrop.
"Sopchoppy" is the first of three instrumentals, and the best. It's a virtual re-write of "Sissy Strut", right down to Jagoda's impressive Ziggy Modeliste impersonation. "Purdy Mouth" sounds like the Allman Brothers rocking to a Mardi Gras rhythm, while "Softshoe" is more of the threesome's irresistible combination of blues, rock and New Orleans jazz.
"New Voodoo Boogaloo" is nothing but a rump-shakin' funk workout the Park uses as an excuse to salute his cohorts on the bass ("The Apostle") and drums ("The Beat Pimp").
Squeal offers listeners a rockin' good time the deeply-rooted, organic way. Swamp Cabbage may not be destined to follow fellow Jacksonville native Petty to a Super Bowl halftime show, but they still do their hometown proud all the same.
Photo by Leslie Lyons
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Sounds, ummm ... greeeezy.
-Glen
2 - El Bicho
I will have to check this out. Have you ever heard of The Bluerunners. They are alternative Cajun if you can get your head around that.
3 - Pico
I've heard OF the Bluerunners, but have yet to put an ear to their music. And I have no excuse since they're from where I grew up. It's been on my to-do list ever since my blogmate waxed poetic over them last year:
The Bluerunners "The Chateau Chuck"
Hey Glen, where's this week's New Releases article? I'm dyin' over here, bro'.
4 - Glen Boyd
Pico,
It should be up later tonight. Were on a one day delay due to AMG's ever-erratic schedule of getting the list out. The good news is the list is now in hand and I'm working on it as we speak.
-Glen
5 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to Advance.net and Boston.com.