Smith, Neal: KillSmith Goes West

Here is something a little different for our readers. Country and Western. Yep, you read that right but please keep reading because this is surprisingly good.

You may recall the name Neal Smith, the original drummer for the Alice Cooper Band from 1967 to 1974, playing on a series of classic albums; Pretties For You, Easy Action, Love It To Death, Killer, Schools Out, Billion Dollar Babies, and Muscle Of Love. While there is no doubt classic rock is in the man’s DNA, Smith was also influenced by Western music at a young age. KillSmith is his latest project with KillSmith Goes West being album number four. Unlike the previous three, here he taps into those Western roots, completely old school, the way this music is supposed to be. ‘Outlaw Rock’, as Neal calls it.

“Shaughnessy Highway� begins with nice acoustic strumming and twangy lead guitar. The gritty vocals are laid back and catchy and Smith proves to be an excellent storyteller. The guitar in “Tequila, Tamales & A Woman� is grittier, with a bluesy vibe, and rocks pretty hard. Excellent guitar picking can be heard on the upbeat “Big Wheels Rollin’ West� and in “Coffee, Beer & Borrowed Time� the fiddle work is excellent. “Sunsets Of Gold� is an old school western tune while “Evil Wind� is a little edgier, and probably my favourite on the disc.

I am totally impressed with KillSmith Goes West. It rocks in its own way with Smith spinning ten tales, showcasing some superb songwriting along the way. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Shaughnessy Highway (4:25)
2. Tequila, Tamales & A Woman (4:21)
3. Big Wheels Rollin’ West (3:47)
4. Coffee, Beer & Borrowed Time (5:01)
5. Pull It Out Smokin’ (4:37)
6. Sunsets Of Gold (4:10)
7. If Jesus Was A Gunfighter (3:54)
8. Jukebox Rose (3:53)
9. Evil Wind (4:05)
10. Tattooed Cowgirl (4:11)

Added: October 29th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 805
Language: english

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