The Kentucky Headhunters - Big Boss Man
by
Paul Barile
August 2005
Finally a rock 'n' roll album with grooves solid enough to build an
antebellum mansion on. We can sit on the porch and sip mint juleps and
crank up this latest release from the Kentucky Headhunters - the louder
the better.
Much like Tim Burton who doesn't do remakes (he does re-imaginings), the
Kentucky Headhunters re-imagine some of the most beloved rock, pop,
and country songs. In most cases better than the original.
When I say they do "I'm Down" better than The Beatles, a lot of people
are going to think I am crazy, but they do.
When I say they do "Like a Rolling Stone" better than Bob Dylan, a lot
of people are going to begin to question my knowledge of music. My
knowledge is vast and they do Dylan better than Dylan.
The toughest thing to have to admit – if only because I am from the old
school – is the Kentucky Headhunters just might be doing Patsy Cline
better than Patsy Cline. "Walkin' After Midnight" never sounded so good.
The music is powerful – visceral. The vocals are plaintive when they
need to be. They are commanding when the songs calls for a powerful
vocal attack.
The Kentucky Headhunters erase any "southern-fried" rock clichés and
just play honest rock 'n' roll music with a healthy dose of testicular
fortitude. They defy easy categorization. The one thing that can be said
with no compunction is this group deserves superstar status and this
disc belongs in your collection.
This is the disc you crank up in your pick-up truck even if you don't
have a gun rack. The guitar attacks will provide any missing
testosterone for you. The irony is there are moments of sweet poignant
music, which get equal attention.
If you are looking for a timeless collection of incredible songs, look
no further than The Kentucky Headhunters' Big Boss Man.
www.kentuckyheadhunters.com
