Album Review: The Long Ryders – Psychedelic Country Soul (Cherry Red)

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It’s a welcome return from The Long Ryders after a 30+ year wait in between albums.

Formed in the early 1980s, and considered part of what was known at the “Paisley Underground”, these LA-based cosmic cowboys, in retrospect look to have kicked off the whole alt.country thing with their Burritos-influenced twangfests such as Native Sons (1984) and State Of Our Union (1985).

The band dissolved in 1987 due to popular disinterest more than internal turmoils with leader Sid Griffin making his home in London, playing in The Coal Porters and authoring books on Gram Parsons and Bob Dylan.

The band (Griffin on guitars and vocals, Stephen McCarthy, guitars mandolin, pedal steel, banjo, bassist Tom Stevens and drummer Greg Sowders) has reunited frequently during the past 15 years or so as their legacy has been recognized by a new generation of fans who recognize their connection with more contemporary acts such as Dawes, Fleet Foxes and Wilco.

While they quartet may have been gigging relatively regularly, this new album marks the first time they’ve entered the studio and cut new material since their 1987 release, Two-Fisted Tales.

And, just like that LP, this one is produced by veteran knob-twirler Ed Stasium. A further nod to their past finds The Bangles, also part of that same Paisley Underground scene, joining the group on backing vocals on a few numbers.

With a bracing, “Here we go”, the album begins with Greenville and it’s immediately apparent that not much has changed in 30 years. The jangle, the twang, the harmonies and the edge is still there.

McCarthy’s steel guitar takes centre stage on the slower Let It Fly as The Bangles’ soothing backing vocals make this easygoing number and early highlight…”listen to the wind and let it fly”.

There are few real pounding rockers, nothing as intense as their most well-known tune, Looking For Lewis And Clark, but the energy level is up there on All Aboard, with its big, crashing guitar chord and a call to arms…”All aboard to slay a dragon…making music as we go”.  These guys are clearly having fun.

Things start to drag a bit during the slower, country weeper California State Line, but hang in there, because they pick up again with jangly rocker The Sound, a celebration both of romantic love and the love of being in a band.

Then we get a delightful cover of Tom Petty’s Walls. Sure it’s a song most of us know by heart, warm and familiar, but it sounds great here with The Bangles’ sweet BVs and the Byrds-like 12-string ringing away.

This is followed by Bells Of August, a subtle anti-war tune that sounds very much in the style of The Stones’ Wild Horses. With Sid Griffin’s obviouse love for Gram Parsons, perhaps its to be expected.

The album wraps with a thrilling 6 minute jam. It’s the title track and it builds up steam nicely, delivering exactly what is advertised, psychedelic country soul. The last minute or so where the band “freaks out” is probably the most exciting among the 12 tracks. I’d love to hear this played live.

So, there you have it, a band back in the studio after a very long break, still capable of sounding fresh and vital…it’s like they never left. Let’s hope this time around more people are paying attention.

Marty Duda

Marty Duda
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