MISSISSIPPI HIPPIES
Self-Titled (Big Smoke Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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The Mississippi Hippies aren't really from the Magnolia State, but this band sounds like it hails from juke joints all the way from Clarksdale down to Rosedale and back. Toronto's Mississippi Hippies are closer to Mississauga than to the Mississippi Delta, but they've produced a first-class party record that's worthy of any comparison I might make to the giants of Mississippi music. Each time I turn up the Mississippi Hippies' record, I hear strong influences and main inspirers like Howlin' Wolf, Gene Vincent, the Bar-Kays, and Otis Redding. John Dickie's right-on ragged lead vocals travel those "Dangerous Curves" nicely along with some juicy fat-toned harp. "Rockalator" is a real rockabilly treat. "Rayleen" and "Luv Pad" are guaranteed dance floor fillers in the Hippies' home town. The slow dance of "Ain't Got the Blues" is perfect for a late night two-step and it floats on a Memphis beat buoyed by Norm Brown and Ron Rob Gusev's keyboards. Discover some delightful uptempo craziness, tinged with the blues and some mighty fine rockabilly at www.mississippihippies.com.

Track List:

Rockalator * Sci-Fi Baby * Dangerous Curves * Funky Lil' Thang * Don't Touch My Hair * Ain't Got the Blues * Cruisalatin' Time * Luv Pad * 96 Miles * Rayleen

© 2005 - Eric Steiner