Speedbuggy USA - South of Bakersfield

  by Lisa Torem

published: 29 / 7 / 2016

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'South of Bakersfield' by Speedbuggy USA takes the listener on a wistful, visceral ride. The LA band has performed with Reverend Horton Heat, Charlie Daniels and Still Little Fingers. Their new CD features guitar by producer Seth von Paulus and drummer Jamie Dawson (The Dreaming Spires). Front man, Timbo, explains his process of songwriting: "I try to write music that is true and real to me. To tell stories of the hard-working class, those who have taken a wayward path, been beaten down by ill spent time, had lives that have felt pain, love and hate." The Bakersfield sound originated in the 1940s and includes finger picking, stylized turnarounds and stories that illumiinate blue-collar slices of life. The Bakersfield sound influenced the genre of country rock that exploded in the 1960s and 1970s. That sound can be heard in the material of Creedence Clearwater Revival, but hearkens back to Buck Owens. This album is packed with terrific instrumental hooks and lively transitions. Opening song, 'Still Movin' On' tells of "broken promises and tear-stained lives." The singer groans, "I really tried" and you really feel for him in this "farewell" to Bakersfield intro. '1000 Miles from Nowhere' tells about the "open road and two-lane blacktop highways". The driver tries to keep it all together - "I'm trying not to slow down," but it's all he can do to keep his hands on the steering wheel, despite the fact that he has a chance to start over. That tension shows in the excellent guitar work and in Timbo's achy voice. Singer Bunny West joins in on 'Wrong Side' which really boasts wonderful rhyme schemes and a cool blend of voices. Timbo yodels in 'Set 'Em Up' as he explains his plight: "Drink to Sunday, dreading Monday." The outro is just as alluring. 'Rusted Cars' is also expressive and palpable. It includes hooting and edgy licks. 'Liars, Thieves and Ramblers' may sound rough and tumble, but there is a strong love affair looming beneath that surface. 'Get Your Wagon Rollin' is a very short but lively, contagious instrumental, where the players really let loose. The final song, 'Bakersfield', pulls it all together. "The truck broke down forty miles away," Timbo croons. He sings earnestly and honestly about road side honky tonks and the hope of everlasting love. This is a really enjoyable album, one that you'll want to listen to on the open road again and again.

Track Listing:-

1 Still Movin' On
2 1000 Miles from Nowhere
3 Wrong Side
4 Set 'Em Up
5 Rusted Cars
6 Liars, Thieves and Ramblers
7 Git Yer Wagon Rollin'
8 Bakersfield

Band Links:-

http://www.speedbuggyusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/speedbuggy-usa-120303641586/
https://twitter.com/SpeedbuggyUsa
https://www.instagram.com/speedbuggyusa/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOK0O4rPvMbyOTWjTzg1Sg

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