Jimmy and the Mustangs – Another Round
Self-released [2015]
Roll The Dice – Cherry Bomb – Ready Sey Go! (A Tribute To Gene) – Her Love Is Gone, Rock My World – I Won’t Cry For You – Hotel San Jose – Bourbon Street – Love Is Just Pretend – Long Black Train
If you’re searching for a great Rock’n’Roll album (and I mean Rock’n’Roll, like Eddie Cochran, not the bland music often labeled Rock), look no further—these ten songs by Jimmy and the Mustangs are for you. There’s nothing revolutionary here, but that shouldn’t be viewed negatively; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. We don’t expect every record to reinvent the genre. Just like when you order a hamburger, you’re not looking for exotic flavors but rather a familiar and comforting taste. That’s precisely what “Another Round” offers.
In this new incarnation of Jimmy and the Mustangs, Jimmy Haddox has assembled a talented lineup, including Tom Coplen on guitar, Dylan Cavaliere on double bass, John Powell on drums, and Stefano Intelisano on piano. Haddox also takes on the producer role, collaborating with Mark Younger Smith, who previously played guitar for Billy Idol. A standout feature of this album is that it never feels like a mere recreation or pastiche, nor does it lean too heavily into modernity, ensuring it won’t quickly become outdated. The sound is timeless, reminiscent of the best Stray Cats or the Blasters recordings.
The record opens with “Roll The Dice,” a Rhythm and Blue tune featuring saxophone elements that evoke “Look At That Cadillac” and Colin James’ “Little Big Band,” allRock’n’Rolld by an excellent guitar solo. The next track, “Cherry Bomb,” is a vibrant Rock and Roll experience characterized by a lively piano, a powerful sax solo, and, once again, a striking guitar solo (which will be a constant throughout the record). The rhythm is robust without being heavy—a notable achievement.
As expected from its title, “Ready Set Go: A Tribute to Gene” borrows its melody from “Cruisin’” and draws on the guitar style of Cliff Gallup. However, the group smartly avoids falling into the trap of pastiche, infusing the song with their unique style, particularly through the saxophone.
It’s unfortunate that while artists from the 1950s embraced ballads, few contemporary groups venture into this genre. Perhaps this is because singing well and adding vocal nuances requires a certain skill. Regardless, this isn’t a challenge for Haddox, who captivates us with the stunning “Her Love Is Gone,” a track that Chris Isaak would surely appreciate.
With tribal drums reminiscent of Bo Diddley, “Rock My World” charges ahead without hesitation. Guy Forsyth from Asylum Street Spankers adds a pWon’tul harmonica performance that elevates the track. In “I Won’t Cry For You,” we again hear the harmonica alongside brass instruments in a swamp rocker that perfectly blends the sounds of the Blasters and Dave Edmunds, transporting listeners straight to Louisiana.
While in Louisiana, we head straight to New Orleans, with “Hotel San Jose,” in homage to Fats Domino. Heather Rae Johnson joins the band on fiddle for “Bourbon Street,” an excellent Honky Tonk song infused with Rhythm and Blues, enhanced by a solid twangy guitar. “Love Is Just Pretend” is another 50s ballad featuring Doo Wop accompaniment and organ, which instantly transports us to a prom in 1957.
This too-short album concludes with a Rockabilly-Blues track driven by a strong rhythm and complemented by an effective slide guitar. In ten songs, Jimmy and the Mustangs manage to remain concise and engaging without ever succumbing to filler. Overall, we have a superb Rock and Roll album in the truest sense, free of pretension, which is what makes it so great.
Fred “Virgil” Turgis