Southern Culture on the Skids

December 1 - 7 , 1 9 9 5

*** Southern Culture on the Skids

DIRT TRACK DATE

(DGC)

North Carolina's purveyors of good ol' trashy fun have stayed true to themselves on their major-label debut, and they've delivered one of the most enjoyable albums of the year. Singer/guitarist Rick Miller, beehived bassist Mary Huff, and drummer Dave Hartman play up the hayseed/trailer-culture shtick on stage, but they can back it up with music that's as reverent and energetic as it is a subversive blast. They're fluent in swamp rock ("Fried Chicken and Gasoline," "Eight Piece Box"), and they wear their guitar heroes on their sleeve when not wearing overalls ("Skullbucket" is one Link Wray would be proud of; "Galley Slave" has Dick Dale around the edges). But the topper is "Camel Walk" -- music to hump to. Brandishing everything from whips and special outfits to snack crackers and Little Debbie oatmeal pies, this tune out-Cramps the Cramps by a mile.