Why is Believe the best album by Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers? It’s just gorgeous! It has everything from Americana to Swamp Blues. Harmonica passages by J. D. Wilkes. Some keyboards from him. And the vocals belong to him too. Robert Plant said at the time that Believe was his favorite album of all the new music he had heard. J. D. Wilkes is here like a frenzied preacher, converting the listener to his faith, performing the rite of communion to the root of American music. And for that, a big human thank you to him. Next is the album review.
Believe is so expertly produced that all the songs are completely different, each with its own sound and mood. From the first chords of Agony Wagon, you will be transported to the Southern Gothic. Expertly played folk music with simple chords and a complex set of instruments – in addition to traditional outlaw country guitars, there is a violin and clarinet. Special credit goes to J. D. Wilkes, the author of all but one of the songs (Help Me by Willie Dixon/Sonny Boy Williamson II).
The Legendary Shack Shakers – Agony Wagon
JD’s vocal expressive abilities should be especially noted: from insinuating calmness (waltz of The Pony To Bet On) to a tearing or frantic guttural growl (Where The Devil When You Need Him). In Help Me and Fistwhistle Boogie, we also hear how great he is with the harmonica. In the blues rock Piss And Vinegar, he claims to be a Jim Dandy jumper dancing hillbilly boogaloo.
Even sometimes powerful overloaded guitar riffs and furious drums do not make this music heavier and do not detract from its melodism and appeal. The roots of all this outrage come from Kentucky. The legendary hut shakers. And soul stealers of sophisticated music lovers.
The Legendary Shack Shakers – Believe (2004)
02 Creek Cats
03 Wheres The Devil When You Need Him
04 Piss And Vinegar
05 County Of Graves
06 All My Life To Kill
07 Cussin In Tongues
08 Help Me
09 Bible Cyst
10 The Pony To Bet On
11 Fistwhistle Boogie
12 Misery Train
Download or listen to the album online (51 MB, mp3)
