Customer Reviews

Escape from the Chicken Coop

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have all of Slim's CDs, but this is the best. He sounds completely natural and at-home with this combination of blues and country. There isn't a bad song in the bunch. If you're a fan of Slim's blues, then you'll enjoy this, too. There's definitely more of a country sound but, as usual, it's all very original and isn't typical cookie-cutter country. I can't wait for the next CD!

I love country music and blues and this album seems to be the perfect blend of both. I especially like the slide on it's hard to be humble.

I'm sorry I cannot agree with a few reviewers here about this being a great album. I have all of Watermelon Slim's albums from "Big Shoes to Fill" up to this one. I was so very disappointed when I finally purchased this new one and gave it my first listen. I enjoyed the first song, but after that I was lost. I guess to me I love it when Watermelon plays the hard core blues, I've seen him "live" and I'll tell ya, I was a huge fan before that but seeing him play live is phenominal...it was without a doubt the best live blues show I will ever see.

I know this was an important album that Watermelon had wanted to make for awhile. A country album, truck driving theme, it is a big part of his life, he lived it. I respect him for making this album, he deserves to make whatever kind of album he chooses, he's payed his dues and had earned that right.

I will be patiently waiting for the day when Watermelon comes out with his next blues album, I'm sure it will be another grand blues ride.

This is my first Watermelon Slim purchase so I don't have much to compare with. I would call the music on this disc country blues with many of the songs about truck driving. In reality this is the type of music that I would normally avoid like the plague, but there is something about Slim's songwriting that sticks with me and I am really enjoying this album. Slim at times reminds me of Leon Redbone in his delivery and his lyrics are heartfelt and down home. The fact that Slim has spent most of his life making his living as a long haul trucker gives these songs significant credibility. From what I have read his other albums do not have as much of a country influence as this one, so again I am not sure how this compares. The album opens with the rocking "Caterpillar Whine" and closes with "18 18 Wheeler". In between are more songs about truck driving, car wrecks, interesting characters, and moral dilemmas. Slim's slide guitar is prominent throughout as his occasional bursts of harmonica. Slim's lyrics are road weary and gruff, but get right to the heart of the American road in their bluntness. For a first purchase I am impressed and am curious to see what his less country influenced stuff is like.

Potential buyers/listeners should be aware that this collection of tunes is a departure from "Watermelon Slim's" typical style of slide blues and is definitely old school country with a hint of blues. With said, this CD is a great touch point for truck driving songs played in a Country music style. Anyone who is familiar with this artist will appreciate these songs. Likewise, I suggest that if this is your first impression of the artist then you may be very happy with other CDs from "Watermelon Slim and the Workers". My personal favorite out of his collection is the original self-titled CD "Watermelon Slim and the Workers" which is more of a bluesy-slide style more closely related to Johnny Winter, Dickie Betts, Duane Allman or Walter Trout.

It is refreshing to hear old school country sound married to modern production levels. Clean language that even the preacher's family can hear.

Well produced and nicely performed, "Escape From The Chicken Coop" is a great CD.

Also recommended: Wayne Hancock (Tulsa)<-Hank Williams Sr. reincarnated; The Derailers (Here Come the Derailers); The Gourds (Bolsa de Agua); Reverand Horton Heat (The Full-Custom Gospel), Gerald Collier (Low Tar Taste) or (Breakin' Down).