Legacy Live
The Outlaws
Steamhammer, 2016
The Outlaws are Southern rock royalty. There was a time in the 1970’s when the South,and Florida in particular, was the center of the rock universe. The Outlaws did the exceptional feat of balancing rock, jazz and country, with Image may be NSFW.
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emotional lyrics and imagery that refrained from being trite or cliche. Songs would contemplatively ask forgiveness, and by turns seek otherworldly retribution to right wrongs. Beer drinkin’ and Hell raisin’ were not their first order of business.
Now reformed with founding members Henry Paul and Monte Yoho leading an invigorated lineup, the band has released an impressive retrospective live CD spanning the bands career. The hits you’d expect and want are here “Knoxville Girl,” “There Goes Another Love Song,” and other 70’s staples all represent. “Cold Harbor” from 1986, is rolled out with a tender and thoughtful rendition.
Newer song, “It’s About Pride” is a carefully considered defense of Dixie. Where some outsiders strictly consider the rebel past as full of hatred, the Tampa natives take this opportunity to address a deeply complicated history as best they can. Instrumental “Waterhole” conveys lighthearted fun as the band struts lively with this Texas two-step. “Freeborn Man” shifts from swampy rock to introspective swing and back again.
Every band from this time who was worth half a damn had their own epic guitar workout number. The Outlaws had two, and they close out the disc. “Green Grass and High Tides,” and their re-working of the country classic, “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” Both are solid, but the performances feel more nuanced and refined than earlier versions which relied more heavily on brawn and grit.
The Outlaws music holds up remarkably well and there’s plenty of gas left in the tank. The strength of the newer songs is proof positive. The vocal harmonies seem sweeter than before. The playing is extraordinary throughout. The Florida guitar army isn’t ready to retire quite just yet.
