South Filthy--You Can Name it Yo' Mammy if You Wanna...
Sympathy For The Record Industry 2002
Several years back, Monsieur Jeffrey Evans (Gibson Bros., 68 Comeback, CC Riders), Walter Daniels (Big Foot Chester, Jack O' Fire), and the Oblivians got together and collaborated on what amounted to two of the greatest pieces of vinyl ever pressed (a 10" and double 7" collected on CD awhile back as Melissa's Garage Revisited). Flash to now and this new band, South Filthy. This CD, You Can Name it Yo' Mammy if You Wanna..., sees Monsieur Evans, Mr. Daniels, and former Oblivian Jack Yarber back in a new collaborative formation. This poses the question: is that special magic still there between these musicians? The answer is a resounding yes, as if there was really ever any doubt.
South Filthy is somewhat of a next logical step in terms of the feel and style found on the Melissa's Garage Revisited CD. Musically, this is the amazing amalgam of blues, country, rock, and soul one would expect from those involved. One of the major differences between South Filthy and the aforementioned collaboration is, where the Melissa's Garage material was raw to the point of a blur, this outing comes across as very clear and focused. A big part of the reason for this must be attributed to the rock solid rhythm section of "Blind" Larry Walker and Mike Buck (Fabulous Thunderbirds). Their performances go a long way in keeping the music of South Filthy grounded. Another factor towards the clarity of this album is the bright production put on it by Mike Mariconda (Raunch Hands). It isn't polished to the point of sterility, but it isn't as muddy as the garage sessions, either.
As one would guess, there are a ton of terriffic cover versions on this CD. Of that material, "Robin's Theme" is the obvious highlight, featuring guest vocals from Texacala Jones. In the same breath, this song also marks the only moment where You Can Name it Yo' Mammy if You Wanna...isn't perfect. This woman's voice is so awesome and soulfully unhinged, there must've been some idea that it needed to be reigned in because it's a little low in the mix. It doesn't ruin the song but the vox could be a little more up than it is. Other than this slight of fader, You Can Name it Yo' Mammy if You Wanna...is, as previously stated, perfect. You want a little country and western? The Walter Daniels penned (in collaboration with Dave Fudge)/fronted "Spell of the Big Tits (Is Over)" has you covered--it's the good humored, liberating honky tonk mope the title suggests. "First Train Away From You" sees Jack Yarber vocalizing this original of his, delivering the coolness you can always bank on from him. However, if you had to choose just one reason to buy this CD, "Sandra Lynn's Blues" would be it. This song is easily one of the top three original tunes Jeffrey Evans has ever released. His voice is distinct as ever on this track, proving yet again that no one can lament love lost in song and get you in the heart better than he can. This track is set over the top thanks to some subdued harpsmanship from Walter Daniels.
Yes, lightning has struck twice (or thrice depending on how you look at it), with these guys again putting out a release that shames everything else in its general vacinity. You Can Name it Yo' Mammy if You Wanna...is a definite instant classic. Let's hope South Filthy stays a band for awhile, or at the very least, that these guys don't take so long again to lay down tunes together. When they do get together, there's nothing else that can touch the results.
Score this CD directly from SFTRI
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