Customer Reviews

Living Stereo

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It's great to see that Texas still produces some real musicians, playing real music, for real people ...

Mike Barfield's probably best known as the lead singer of The Hollisters (or ex-lead singer, since The Hollister's don't appear to be a working concern these days), but anyone expecting the hillbilly twang of that band will be pleasantly surprised by this solo outing. Though his twangy roots are still evident, he trades the acoustic side of hill country for a large helping of Memphis blues and soul, Tony Joe White styled swamp rock, and James Brown (and Elvis)-like swagger. The opener, an original called "Twist It," is as propulsive a rock 'n' roll dance tune as has been recorded in some time.

Barfield's other originals mix seamlessly with a beautifully drawn list of covers: Howlin' Wolf's "I've Been Abused" features some fine guitar and harp playing, and Junior Wells' "Cramp Your Style" (from his rare, and often maligned 1968 LP, "You're Tuff Enough") finds the band riffing like the MG's (minus Booker T's organ). Barfield's vocals have a wild edge that's truly infectious, and his love for this music recalls Ben Vaughn's great sides from the late 80s, and The Morells' rock and soul LP, "Shake and Pop."

In addition to the swinging soul, the album includes a few standards, such as the Western styled "You're Driving Me Crazy," and the pop croon, "Tomorrow Night." But it's songs like Tyrone Davis' Muscle Shoals styled "Can I Change Your Mind," Joe Tex's slinky "You Got What it Takes," and Dallas Frazier's (by way of Charlie Rich) "She's a Yum Yum" that will turn your head and start your toes to tapping.

Barfield's assembled a stellar band, with stinging leads from guitar hot-shots Chris Miller and Dave Biler, and swinging, rock-solid rhythms. Everything from the country-blue acoustic "Lovers Prison" to the soul revue (and gospel coda) of "Ask My Baby" is handled with style. It's a departure from Barfield's work with the The Hollisters, but still hangs on a similar roots-up sensibility.

This album seems to have ducked under many critic's radar at the end of 2002 -- which is a shame, as the market's general lack of such joyful, funky rock 'n' soul makes it not only one of the most surprising albums of the year, but one of the most lovable.

Nice to have a way to enjoy Barfield when I can't catch him live at 11pm on Tuesday nights at the Continental Club in my town Austin, Texas!