The Beat Farmers - Viking Lullabies (1994)

Forget about all of these Stetson-clad poseurs roaming the streets of the Music City, claiming that they grew up listening to both George Jones and the Rolling Stones. For reckless country soul, few bands can top the frenzy whipped up by these boys, the Beat Farmers. Sure, it's been a few years, but the Farmers have returned with a new disc – Viking Lullabies – on Austin's Sector 2 label and let me tell ya, hoss, this sucker ROCKS!

The opening cut, "Southern Cross," offers up a guitar line reminiscent of D.L. Byron's long lost album, setting the stage for a baker's dozen that run the gamut from the sublime ("Garden") to the absurd ("Are You Drinkin' With Me Jesus?" and the hilarious closing cut, "Lakeside Trailer Park"). Vocals on the former two songs – honest-to-god, beer swilling, tears-in-the-eyes numbers that even Ernest Tubb would be proud of – are courtesy of the legendary Country Dick Montana, who has bounced back from throat cancer to deliver these near classic performances. Long ago, The Beat Farmers built a reputation for excellent showmanship and solid performances, blending hard-edged roots rock with country traditionalism. Along with Nashville's own Jason & The Scorchers, they transcended the unfortunate early '80s "cowpunk" label to create a true musical bridge between the two genres. With Viking Lullabies, possibly the band's best effort yet, you can say that the Beat Farmers have come roaring back. (Sector 2 Records)

(Click on the CD cover to buy Viking Lullabies from Amazon.com)