The Freewheelers

An excellent debut album, The Freewheelers introduces a great rock & roll band to the world with a compact, self-assured style. The band itself has a bluesy, soulful sound that is equal parts Bruce Springsteen and Joe Cocker (the Cocker element would be more fully realized on their second album, Waitin' for George). Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Luther Russell's songs have the appeal and personality of those by Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson, especially on "Thinkin' 'Bout Your Mother" and the lighthearted "Percilla," a wild tale of a bearded lady in the big top. The overall feel of this record is funky, warm, and both fresh and familiar at the same time.