THE LUCKY STARS
Hollywood & Western (Ipecac)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Flip open the Lucky Stars' CD booklet and you'll find a "send away for" style catalogue page peddling such nifty items as a pocket comb, a shot glass and the "smoker's friend" ashtray. The yellowing brown page is a good hint at the retro stylings featured on the accompanying record. If vintage country swing with a good dollop of knee slapping yuks is yer cup o' joe, then by all means, light up with the Lucky Strikes, er Stars. With lines like "I told everybody what a first rate guy you were, I just wished I hadn't told her", and nicknames like Whitey and Mooney, these boys may give the Riders In The Sky a run for their cowpoking money. While the latter bunch of singing cowboys gear their tunes toward family values (kids and parents), the Lucky Stars aim their reigns right at the all important 18-35 set with a collection of romance related tunes. If the recent classic singing cowboy reissues out on Bloodshot Records gave you a hankering to rustle up a date for the next square dance, then Hollywood & Western will surely hit the spot.

© 2000 - John Sekerka