HASIL ADKINS
Out To Hunch (Norton)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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While it's probably going to damage whatever street cred I have with his adoring hipster fans, I just can't listen to this one all the way through. It's not that I don't appreciate the Haze's particular twisted genius. There's plenty of great music here. But these may be the worst 20 recordings of great music you'll ever hear. Self-recorded in his tar-paper West Virginia shack between 1955 and 1965, these tracks were laid down on equipment that was primitive even for their time in conditions that were hardly conducive to fidelity, high or otherwise. Adkins himself recognizes the problem. "I didn't try to be primitive," he admits, "I just had bad microphones."

Adkins' energy is as high as his fidelity is low, though, and while 20 consecutive cuts may provoke a bit too much ear strain, there's not a one that shouldn't be heard. This CD reissue adds three tracks to the lineup of the original Norton LP, including a terrific cover of Jerry Lee Lewis' "High School Confidential," and includes all of the tunes that form the basis of the Hasil Adkins legend, a tale that continues to be written (along with his 7000 plus original songs) and has carried his fame across the country and across the oceans. This the real hard boppin', high hoppin', head choppin' deal. Highly recommended, about 5 tracks at a time.

Track List:

She Said * No More Hot Dogs * Ha Ha Cat Walk Baby * Rockin' Robin * Chicken Walk * I'm Happy * Can't Help It Blues * We Got A Date * Turn My Coat Tails Loose * Hot Dog Baby * You Don't Love Me * Teenie Weenie Waddy Kiss * High School Confidential * Let Me Come In * The Hunch * Gee But I Love You * Memphis * Do It To Me Tonight * Truly Ruly * I Need Your Head (...This Ain't No Rock N' Roll Show)

© 2002 - Shaun Dale