by Brian D. Holland.

It’s nice when a sound comes along that really catches the ear and takes control of the senses with a magnetic, wrenching tug. The experience doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it’s authentic and infectious. It’s music with an air of excitement, a stimulation factor brought on by a combination of traits both unique and inspirational. Sold Out… is all that and more.

Big Shanty's music is a mesh of styles, both contemporary and traditional. It's a mixture of funk, techno, hip-hop, and especially blues and rock. It's Prince meets JJ Cale and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion meets Muddy Waters, Public Enemy and the Chemical Brothers. The sound is electrifying and mesmerizing. He's known as a renegade rocker at times, and he sings in support of human rights, free speech, Internet radio and independent media. Those familiar with his song "Killing Fields," from his 2007 release Ride With The Wind, are well aware of that.

The opener, "Big Shanty, From Lower Alabama to Hollywood," is an up-tempo blues number with a rhythmic drive reminiscent of J.J. Cale in places, an isolated vocal element that's suggestive of archetypal Cale as well. However, the song's rocked up and funky pace makes it all Big Shanty in essence. He gets into some interesting acoustic and slide guitar phrasing throughout the song. Rick Phillips is superb on keyboards as well.

"Kissing the Eight Ball" takes it in another direction. Though it's quite rocked up and funky, in somewhat of a Jon Spencer vein, its techno vibe is very innovative and captivating. This one has a tendency to grow more likable each time it's heard. Accented by Shanty's brisk slide guitar chops and the scorching lead guitar work of Spencer Kirkpatrick, "Love Train" drives along like a locomotive streaming down the tracks.

Listen to "Kiss The Eight Ball" from Sold Out...

Though Big Shanty's innovative slide work transpires throughout the album, much of the lead guitar work is Spencer Kirkpatrick (Hydra). There's also a scorching solo by Chris Blackwell on "Stop Pushing Me." Liz Melendez is perfect in providing the songs with extra vocal ambiance in the choruses (solo guitar on "Uncle Sam" as well). So, even though a few songs contain a heavy techno sound and other idiosyncrasies, it's still very much a guitar and instrument oriented CD.

Another notable track is a pleasant acoustic number called "Tybee Town." It includes a sitar additive played by Col. Bruce Hampton, the renowned surrealist musician from Georgia. Shanty ends the album with the lyrically political and rocked up "Uncle Sam Go To Rehab," giving the CD a real kick-ass finale.

The music on Sold Out… is different, innovative and captivating. Big Shanty's slide guitar approach and gruff vocals are just right surrounded in the bluesy, rocked up, and techno environment. For those with brave taste and a roving ear, who are always looking for new frontiers and new approaches in music, Big Shanty's Sold Out… is a very diverse and enjoyable collection of songs. Boundaries do not exist in this music.

Sold Out… Track Listing
1. Big Shanty, From Lower Alabama to Hollywood
2. Love Train
3. Kiss The Eight Ball
4. They Say It's Raining
5. Walking Shoes
6. Stop Pushing Me
7. Rolling Thunder
8. Can't Hold Out
9. Tybee Town
10. Uncle Sam Go To Rehab

Links:
Big Shanty
Sold Out... on Amazon