Customer Reviews

Put The Hammer Down

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

 

 

This should be a better album. Baird, Ambel and company light it up again on "Put The Hammer Down." However, following the outstanding "Fear Not the Obvious," the Yahoos come across as a little more contrived on this outing. They make a concerted effort to sound country-rock on "Where Your Boyfriend At," and it's not as genuine as on previous Baird and Ambel records. The inspired but sloppy songs on Baird's previous recordings, particularly "Julie and Lucky," and "Another Chance," outshine this effort. However, it is still a very good record, and one that should make it to more collections than it probably will. "Roam," a B-52's hit from the 1980's, sounds fresh and original here. Dan Baird has always found the best songs to cover and make his own, and that remains true on this record. A good record - I will probably buy their third album as well.

The Yayhoos are the epitomy of teenage hormone driven rock'n'roll. They are what the Georgia Satelites where still afraid to be on record. "Where Your Boyfriends At" with follow up lines like "Where yur boyfriends at? I wanna get me somma that" may be over the top and intentionally politically incorrect. But, it is so right on for the teen angst ridden american male. The Yahoos are a joy to listen to when you aren't worried about being judgmental of people who aren't there to be judged. They just are. When you are thinkin' more about drinkin' than you are about thinkin' you can relate.

I love this music. It is true to the spirit of rock'nroll. It is just straight ahead balls to the wall, well crafted rock. It is to be played very loud and without regret. We get older and can't keep the hammer down in real life. But, put the Yayhoos on and your favorite fantasy can come true. I have followed Dan Baird, Terry Anderson and company as they have evolved and devolved. They don't pull any punches. You won't have to worry about whether they put in too many overdubs or backing vocals. These boys are here to have fun and make music period. Listen to it. You will immediately know if you like it. I could talk about the influences of Southern rock, Muscle Shoals, Rhythm and Blues, but hey. Think for yourself. You outta get you somma that! Fear Not the Obvious

I learned who Eric Ambel was from listening to Steve Earle records.What a discovery!Then I saw him at a Steve Earle show at Club Infinity in Buffalo N.Y. Great guitar player!By accident I found out about The Yayhoos from customer reviews of Steve Earle records.When I saw that Dan Baird was also a member of the band, I realized I had to hear these guys.I purchased "Fear Not The Obvious" and the rest was history. Then I bought "Put The Hammer Down",and was blown away again. If you like straight ahead,basic,melodic,and most of all FUN rock and roll,this band is for you.It's hard to find good new music out there for those of us who grew up on a steady diet of: Hard Rock,Southern Rock and Pop Music from the 70's.These guys fit the bill!