Rootin tootin rockfrom Kentucky. Where else?
If there was ever a band that captures the spirit of the Stones, then its Yardsale.
This Louisville quintet sure know how to rock in the classic mould, showing all the swagger of early Jagger and co. from the early 60s.
Though the CD innards show a five piece, further rootin reveals a cast of eight, comprising Kirk Kiefer, Jacob Lee, Chris Scott, Andrew Rhinehart, Colin Garcia, Ellen Cherry, Elmer White and Melanie Dillman.
Like the embryonic Stones (and they still are, even today) theres a roughness that almost borders on shambolic, but isnt. You dont become great without talent, and that applies very much to Yardsale.
Due to time constraints, the band put their pedal to- the- metal and recorded in double quick time over two days at Downtown Recording, Louisville February /March 2009, which adds to the urgency of many tracks. Additional recording was carried out by Jordan Frost later, in May.
Their mostly pulsating repertoire swings from twangy country/rockabilly like Happy In My Misery with enough pace and fervor to get you foot-tapping or jivin.
From the-get-go, they unleash their boogie qualities a la The Band or Little Feet with a sharper edge though, which is segued by rocknroll infused Porkitty Popcorn that packs a real punch, with sharp guitar licks spiking through out.
Breaking the unrelenting onslaught, they dip into a semi-acoustic country-tinged ballad - Reflection - showing they can mix and match their material with equal finesse.
Clearly they feel their comfort zone is boogie-chugging, and thats what follows on The Bullet That You Dodge, with dollops of stylish guitar licks and subliminal brass.
After all the class so far, Mississippi Flooding and Secondhand Girlfriend come as major disappointments proving too congested for their own good, but things are happily restored with the frenetic Fencepost as they reveal unexpected harmonica and pedal steel blasts.
Pacey Dream Of Amarillo, has more discipline and works much better.
The best is saved for last May The Lord Grant Me Peace. Frontman Kirk Kiefer is joined by Catherine Irwin on a stirring duet, backed by The Sandpaper Dolls.
The verdict Not quite the finished article. Ones to watch.