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The Wild Bunch
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Barnes and Noble
The Wild Bunch
Current price: $16.99
Barnes and Noble
The Wild Bunch
Current price: $16.99
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Size: CD
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Boy, talk about a return to form.
' first new album in over ten years is easily the best thing they've done since their '70s heyday. This record reunites the men who formed the band way back in 1963, frontman extraordinaire
(prime exponent of "Dandyism"), rhythm guitarist
, and bassman
. The chemistry that is still there is amazing. Now augmented by
(one of the country's most underrated guitarists -- he was a hero of
's when they were kids in Oak Cliff) and drummer
(kid brother of guitar hero
), the band is in ripping form. The material is top-notch -- a far cry from the work the band did in the '80s. The lead-off track,
sets the pace with crunching guitar riffs and a great chorus where the Dandyman lets you know that "I never forget, and I ain't that forgiving." There is more serious heaviness to follow, particularly the two
covers the band whips out.
is one of the great tales of
excess: "I don't know what went wrong, it seems like nothing is right, I don't know what went wrong, I hope I get me some sleep tonight." Also,
's
gets a
treatment. Both renditions are a fine tribute to the departed axeman.
is another fine original and a great title to boot: Picture
(or yourself) with an arm outstretched and hand in STOP position.
has also redone five of their most classic tunes for this album. The remakes have strengths and weaknesses when compared to the originals.
is definitely the best guitarist
has ever had. His leads make the remakes soar.
, on the other hand, is a very solid drummer, but he is cursed with the fact that
used to sit in his seat.
's drumming with
set the standard for arena rock in the '70s. His parts are simply not do-able for a normal human. Fortunately,
doesn't try to re-do the old parts, but there is something missing (mega-fills). All in all, this is more than could've reasonably been expected from a band that hadn't released a good album since 1976. The band and the disc are both loaded with charm, humor, and
rock. Just when things were looking bad --
to the rescue. ~ Geoff Ginsberg