THE BEAT FARMERS
Tales Of The New West (Rhino Handmade)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The Beat Farmers were one of the very best bands to emerge from the Southern California roots rock scene of the 80s (think the Blasters, Los Lobos, Jason & the Scorchers, then think "every bit as good as if not better"). While the original lineup was fairly shortlived, with Buddy Blue bailing out before the release of their second full length, the band carried on until the onstage death of drummer Country Dick Montana in 1995. Those very first days, and very first recordings, though, are widely considered their very best, and that's a case that will draw no contrary argument from me.

This reissue of their 1985 Rhino debut, Tales Of The New West, should provide all the evidence needed, in fact, to make that case solid. Especially since Rhino Handmade has stuffed the disc with extras, including the original live recordings that earned the band a record deal, all six tracks from their UK EP Glad N'Greasy, a quartet of unreleased demos and the very first release from the reconstituted Beat Farmers AD (as in After Dick), who are recording for a 2004 release and touring behind the reissued Tales.

It's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll and a whole bunch of "the best bar band that ever was." And it's a strictly limited edition item, so what are you waiting for?

Track List:

Bigger Stones * There She Goes Again * Reason To Believe * Lost Weekend * California Kid * Never Goin' Back * Goldmine * Showbiz * Lonesome Hound * Where Do They Go * Selfish Heart * Happy Boy * Powderfinger * Death Train * Beat Generation * Glad 'N' Greasy * Delayed Reaction * Big Rock Candy Mountain * Road Of Ruin * Gun Sale At The Church * Blue Chevrolet * Deceiver * Jump Right Back * Lonely Boy Blue * Dim Lights, Thick Smoke And Loud, Loud Music * And I Still Miss Someone * Mondo * Watching The River

© 2004 - Shaun Dale