New at PCR: REVEREND HORTON HEAT

Reverend Horton Heat / Laughin’ & Cryin’ / Yep Roc Records

The Reverend Horton Heat’s tenth studio release, “Laughin’ & Cryin’” trades the aggressive all-out psychobilly stylings of earlier albums in favor of a more diverse sonic palette blending Nashville country-flavored blues, Texas swing and ripped up hillbilly rock n’ roll. The trio from Texas consisting of Jim Heath on guitar and lead vocals, Jimbo Wallace on the upright bass, and Paul Simmons on drums, successfully craft an album that would find heavy rotation at any “underground” Honky Tonk from about midnight on, and probably culminate with the whole bar drunkenly singing along. While the lyrical content defiantly won’t end global warming or end the war on terrorism, they do deliver a witty and satirical look at everything from why there “ain’t no Saguaro in Texas”, to why you shouldn’t take a baby to the liquor store. All in all a solid release from one of the wildest, nosiest and hardest workin’/ drinkin’ acts in rockabilly. The standout tracks include:

1. Drinkin’ and Smokin’ Cigarettes
3. Death Metal Guys
5. Please Don’t Take the Baby to the Liquor Store
7. Rural Point of View

For Fans of: Cramps, Hillbilly Hellcats, Nekromantix, Brian Setzer, Nashville Pussy