I’m going to talk about 38 Special first even though they were the headliner because The Outlaws need extra thought. Now that we got that out of the way I will say 38 Special was a lot of fun. Where is singer Donnie Van Zandt? No clue. Don Barnes is the other singer so most of the main vocal duties fell on him. After the first song I thought uh-oh Don Barnes’s voice is already toast. I was wrong as he warmed up and although he did struggle a bit he delivered when it counted. The band was super tight as expected, the only fail was a medley of old songs that just didn’t work. I would rather hear one great song for four minutes than thirty seconds of six good songs. With hits like: Rockin Into The Night, Caught Up In You and Second Chance the audience was happy to sing along. The best part of the show was the encore of the ever popular Hold On Loosely which got everyone to their feet as the band gave all the energy they had left to make sure you would remember them.
3.5 (out of 5)
I had been given a meet and greet pass to see 38 Special but had to pass in order to see The Outlaws thirty minute set. It’s a good thing I did becuase I went from The Outlaws? Green Grass And High Tides? Those Guys? to Wow The Outlaws one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Thirty minutes of pure southern fried rock served to perfection! Chris Anderson and Billy Crain are two of the most ridiculous guitar players I have ever seen. Coupled with Randy Threet on low end thunder bass, Monte Yoho on trap kit and Dave Robbins on keys were all in it to win it. Seriously, download the current line up doing Green Grass from I-tunes if you don’t believe me. Speaking of Green Grass And High Tides it was thirteen minutes of the thirty minute set and it blew my mind out the top o’ me head. The Outlaws started their set with track one of their new record Tomorrow’s Another Night complete with four part harmonies. Herny Paul sounded awesome on lead vocals and had no problem pumping up the crowd and letting everyone know they should be headlining somewhere. I am so happy that I got to see The Outlaws as I am now a huge fan.
5 (out of 5)
I received the The Outlaws new record It’s About Pride in advance of the show. I popped it in and was immediately transported to the south. And in this case the non country ”Yankee” really didn’t mind. I always like Green Grass And High Tides and There Goes Another Love Song but truth be told that is as far as my knowledge of the band goes. The band has had some serious sadness of the past thirty years but I will let you wikapedia that yourself if you feel like getting bummed out. That being said It’s About Pride is the first new record bearing the name The Outlaws and at the risk of pissing off the die hards I think it’s perfect. The production is is huge and not hampered by new technology. Three and four part harmonies ring all over the place and the freedom that is allowed lyrically is really refreshing. In a time when most bands are happy just to play their hit song, get a few bucks and move on The Outlaws have made a stand with a great new record and as the title states:
It’s About Pride
5 (out of 5)