Night Tide

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 15, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hightone Records
• ASIN: B00004UDE3
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #197,213 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Any retro band faces a conundrum: the risk that their original songs will pale next to the oldies they interpret. Such is the case with Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys. After a strong HighTone debut (Jumping from 6 to 6) and follow-up (Swingin' West), they began to vacillate. Both a solo doo-wop effort from Sandy (Dedicated to You) and a Fly-Rite Boys instrumental album were outstanding, but now the past three full-group albums have faltered under the weight of weak original material. Robert (Big Sandy) Williams's relaxed, sincere vocals and the guitar-steel duo of Ashley Kingman and Lee Jeffriess remain the band's heart and soul. Yet try as he might, Williams's songwriting, exemplified here by "Tequila Calling," "I Think of You," and seven others, has yet to rise beyond a beginner's level. More puzzling is the listlessness that permeates the entire record, even the two instrumentals ("In the Steel of the Night" and "South Bay Stomp") and a cover of Texas Western Swing icon Cliff Bruner's "My Time Will Come Someday." It's depressing to hear such undeniable talent continue to create albums so utterly mundane. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big Sandy Ascends New Heights With His Fly-Rite Boys, August 21, 2000

By A Customer

I've read the comments of one too many reviewers that just don't get it- Big Sandy is the reigning king of rockabilly and a true master of his form. In a genre that is undergoing a true renaissance/revival, thanks to the efforts of bands like BR5-49, The Derailers, Smiths Ranch Boys, Deke Dickerson, etc. Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite's have the triple whammy of Sandy's smooth vocals, killer original compositions, and instrumentalists extraordinare setting them apart. "Night Tide" is easily the band's best showing since 1997's "Feelin' Kinda Lucky." That fact has much to do with the strength of the songwriting and the innovation and style with which these songs are performed. With their rock-solid rhythm section providing a sure foundation, Lee Jeffriess' steel and Ashley Kingman's "take-off guitar" interplay is the stuff of legend. One listen to Lee's break on "Between Darkness & Dawn," and I knew this CD wouldn't be coming out of the player for quite some time. Don't be fooled, this new release from Big Sandy is a recorded event not to be missed!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon Review Perplexing- Buy Night Tide Now, October 3, 2000

By	George (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

If you are interested in hearing this legendary vocalist and band take a trip back to basics, this is the CD for you.

The Amazon review is perplexing- almost insulting, and shows an amazing lack of understanding about the genre. But whether you wake up from the wrong side of the bed or not, if you love- and know- traditional rockabilly, you'll need to have this CD in your collection.

There isn't another voice out there with the fluidity and ease as Big Sandy's, and this is one of the best examples of his vocal talent throughout his entire collection. His voice is Sun-like, records that is, no question about it- smooth, natural, high, occasionally lonesome, and Sun-like.

The songs: rich, simple, yet have a definitive mood. There is more introspection here than usual. Just listen to "Between Darkness and Dawn", "When Sleep Won't Come" and "A Man Like Me", and then try to tell me this offering isn't timeless and very real. And "I think of You", is just too catchy for two ears.

So if you want to hear Ashley and Lee rip out a wide variety of authentic country licks, and to hear the bass return to an occasional slap or two, and have your foot tap involuntarily through your floorboards, thanks to Jeff and Bobby, buy this CD immediately. It'll grow on you like hair on a Chia Pet."

-george

Columbia, SC

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LISTEN AND LOVE IT !, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

The latest release from Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys represents a departure onto the road less travelled into the realm of subject matter that many modern songwriters fearfully avoid -- the pain of the human condition. From revenge to despair this album truly pays homage to the roots of country with influences from George Jones to Hank Williams to Bob Wills. The lyrics are heartfelt and thought provoking. The musicianship is unparalleled. Lead singer Robert Williams angelic voice is reminscent of early Elvis. Listen because the NIGHT TIDE is calling you!