User Profile
Tom Kellar
I enjoy several types of music, but mostly rock of all types: Southern, metal, progressive, grunge and more. Of course, user reviews tend to be higher. We do not get our music for free and are not paid for our opinions. Unless we are given an album, or try an experiment, we are buying works from artists that we have enjoyed. But I plan to be very stingy with full 5-star ratings, saving them for flawless masterpieces which are ALL KILLER NO FILLER. I expect to be giving many 3 to 4.5 scores.
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Tom Kellar's Album Reviews
Jacksonville's Lynyrd Skynyrd cook up another serving of tasty Southern rock on one of their 3 essential albums. (The others being "Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd" and "Street Survivors").
"Free Bird" is not on the menu, but could I tempt you with some hot "Sweet Home Alabama"? Skynyrd's second-best song is a Southern anthem (co-written by Yankee guitarist Ed King). It was intended both as a thank you to the musicians at the Muscle Shoals studio and to answer Canadian Neil Young's criticism.
There are many other delicious courses. "Workin' for MCA" is a great, driving tune, and one of the best and funniest songs about the music industry. In a similar vein, on "Don't Ask Me No Questions" singer Ronnie Van Zant just wants to relax when he goes home from recording and touring. "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a tribute to the bluesmen who created the music which inspired the band and features some slide guitar from Ed. "Swamp Music" has a funky groove and fast picking. The hard rocking "The Needle and the Spoon" is another of the group's anti-drug warnings. The cover of "Call Me the Breeze" is a great workout for the guys, especially guitarist Gary Rossington and Skynyrd's secret weapon, Billy Powell. All the bandmembers, especially Ronnie and the guitarists, are rightly revered. Be he is the most underrated rock pianist, and possibly the finest musician in the band. The only bit of gristle that sticks in your teeth is "I Need You". This slow tune isn't too bad, but it really never goes anywhere, and takes too long not getting there.
There are 3 bonus songs on the CD I have. The somber "Was I Right or Wrong" has appeared on several collections, including "Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album". There is the single version of "Don't Ask Me No Questions" and "Take Your Time". This song was the B-side to both "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Don't Ask Me No Questions". (Not very kind to anyone buying 45's in 1974). There is an insert with a few pictures and some text about the band.
"Second Helping" is not re-warmed leftovers. It is a fine feast of Southern cuisine. Don't be late for dinner.
"Free Bird" is not on the menu, but could I tempt you with some hot "Sweet Home Alabama"? Skynyrd's second-best song is a Southern anthem (co-written by Yankee guitarist Ed King). It was intended both as a thank you to the musicians at the Muscle Shoals studio and to answer Canadian Neil Young's criticism.
There are many other delicious courses. "Workin' for MCA" is a great, driving tune, and one of the best and funniest songs about the music industry. In a similar vein, on "Don't Ask Me No Questions" singer Ronnie Van Zant just wants to relax when he goes home from recording and touring. "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a tribute to the bluesmen who created the music which inspired the band and features some slide guitar from Ed. "Swamp Music" has a funky groove and fast picking. The hard rocking "The Needle and the Spoon" is another of the group's anti-drug warnings. The cover of "Call Me the Breeze" is a great workout for the guys, especially guitarist Gary Rossington and Skynyrd's secret weapon, Billy Powell. All the bandmembers, especially Ronnie and the guitarists, are rightly revered. Be he is the most underrated rock pianist, and possibly the finest musician in the band. The only bit of gristle that sticks in your teeth is "I Need You". This slow tune isn't too bad, but it really never goes anywhere, and takes too long not getting there.
There are 3 bonus songs on the CD I have. The somber "Was I Right or Wrong" has appeared on several collections, including "Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album". There is the single version of "Don't Ask Me No Questions" and "Take Your Time". This song was the B-side to both "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Don't Ask Me No Questions". (Not very kind to anyone buying 45's in 1974). There is an insert with a few pictures and some text about the band.
"Second Helping" is not re-warmed leftovers. It is a fine feast of Southern cuisine. Don't be late for dinner.
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