The Smokin' Armadillos' debut is pumped-up country music with a heavy lean toward power rock influences. This sextet from Bakersfield -- ranging in age from 19-26 -- plays with an unbridled enthusiasm that serves the material well. Nine of the 12 tracks were written by the band, and most of them are driven by the burning championship fiddle playing of the youngest Armadillo, Jason Theiste. Although none of the tracks here are likely to change the world, original songs like "Thump Factor" and "Too Hot to Handle" exude a youthful charm and show some songwriting potential. Southern rock king Charlie Daniels makes an appearance on a cover of his spooky '70s hit "The Legend of Wooley Swamp," and the boys include reworked versions of a couple of their independent singles -- the ones that started all the commotion. "My Girlfriend Might" is a catchy, lighthearted tune, but the country rap and probable live favorite, "I'm a Cowboy," borders on the ridiculous. But hey, these guys are still young. ~ Jack Leaver
Recorded at K.D. Studio, Mid-Town Tone And Volume and Omni-Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee.
Personnel: Rick Russell (vocals); Scott Meeks (guitar, acoustic guitar); Michael Spriggs, J.T. Corenflos (acoustic guitar); John Willis, Brent Mason , Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Connie Ellisor (violin); Jason Theiste, Larry Franklin, Rob Hajacos, Hank Singer (fiddle); John Catchings (cello); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Birch Caffee, Tony Harrell, Steve Nathan (piano, keyboards); Darrin Kirkindoll, Eddie Bayers (drums); Michael Black, Kelly Shiver, John Wesley Ryles (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Craig White; John Kelton; Mark Nevers.
Recording information: K.D. Studio, Nashville, TN; Mid-Town Tone And Volume, Nashville, TN; Omni-Sound Studio, Nashville, TN.
Photographer: Randee Saint Nicholas.
Arranger: Birch Caffee.
Smokin' Armadillos: Rick Russell (vocals); Scott Meeks (electric & acoustic guitars); Josh Graham (guitar); Jason Theiste (fiddle); Aaron Casida (bass); Darrin Kirkindoll (drums).
Additional personnel: Birch Caffee (arranger, piano, keyboards); Michael Spriggs, J.T. Corenflos (acoustic guitar); Brent Mason, Brent Rowan, John Willis (electric guitar); Conni Ellisor (violin); Rob Hajacos, Hank Singer, Larry Franklin (fiddle); John Catchings (cello); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Steve Nathan, Tony Harrell (piano, keyboards); Glen Worf, Michael Rhodes (bass); Eddie Bayers (drums); Michael Black, John Wesley Ryles, Maryanne Kennedy, Kelly Shiver, Joe Neil Thrasher, Louis "Big Bad Beat" Nunley (background vocals); Charlie Daniels.
Great CD Its well worth the money. Submitted by johnny_5_2 (Reno, NV, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
hot country rock An exceptional cd from a young talent ridden band. Most songs are originals with great lyrics and catchy beats. Their remake of Charlie Daniels Wooley Swamp is a lot of fun.
The only thing that keeps it from being a 5 star cd is a couple songs tend to be commercial. Submitted by a reviewer (Tucson, AZ) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
hot group I really miss these guys. They're music was great. I hope one day they do some more.CA Submitted by Doro (CALIFORNIA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great CD
hot country rock
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