Rough Edge: Jackyl CD Reviews

JACKYL

"ROWYCO" (Mighty Loud; 2016)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

It's always exciting when a new Jackyl album is released and I was thrilled to see the new CD, "ROWYCO," in my in box. There's something dangerous about the band's gritty redneck style that is irresistible and I was anxious to see what Jesse and the boys had put together.

A little less than 45 minutes later, I sat back, gave a weak smile, and thought, "Well, that was ... okay." Which is exactly what "ROWYCO" is. Okay. Ten tracks, none of which really grab you - despite titles like "Disasterpiece" and "Hammer to the Head." It's not bad, I'm not saying that, it just didn't light me up like previous Jackyl album's have done (and, no, the band has never topped "The Lumberjack" in my book).

I've listened to the CD a few times since then, searching for a hook or something that grabbed me and held on, but "ROWYCO," although very listenable, just doesn't have that spark I've come to expect from Jackyl. The songs are serviceable and certainly entertaining, it's just that there's no oomph anywhere on the record.

Again, it's important to note that this isn't a bad Jackyl album; it's not. But it's not a great one, either. There's lots to like here: The Southern twang of Jackyl's style of rock'n'roll, the unique vocal stylings of Jesse Dupree, the wry humor of tracks like "Just Because I'm Drunk" and "Limpdick." There's even a fun cover version of Hot Chocolate's "Everyone's a Winner." But I was looking for more here. Maybe the fault is mine and not the band's.

Fans of Jackyl's previous work will find plenty to like about "ROWYCO," but will probably find themselves going back to the band's previous albums more often than this one.

For more information, check out http://www.jackyl.com.

"When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide" (Mighty Loud; 2010)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Jesse James Dupree and company return after a lengthy hiatus with "When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide," a lowbrow, high-octane hard rock hootenanny chock full of down and dirty double entendres from this Atlanta based quartet.

Maintaining an unadulterated love for AC/DC with barnburning riffs galore (“I Can’t Stop,” “Get Mad At It”) and James’ whiskey-soaked wail manning the helm (“She’s Not a Drug”), this 12-track excursion allows the listener a firsthand account of what it’s like to ride shotgun with the band with a Mason jar of homemade brew in your lap and a team of strippers shaking their assets on the back of the flatbed.

Turn off your brain and turn up Jackyl’s tried and tested (yet contrived) blend of no frills Southern fried hard rock anthems perfect for both the stripper pole or the parking lot all-nighter and leave your responsibilities and inhibitions at the door.

For more information, check out http://www.faebook.com/officialjackyl or http://www.jackyl.com.

"Live from the Full Throttle" (Sanctuary; 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I can't think of a more appropriate band to play the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Run than Jackyl. And I can't think of a better venue for Jackyl's brand of raunchy rock'n'roll than the famous Full Throttle Saloon.

This live, ten track CD captures the "Redneck Punk" band in full force as they played to a crowd of eager fans during the 2004 edition of the world-renowned motorcycle event. Things start out a little rough with "The More You Hate It," a great song that sounds so raw here for some reason that it barely makes it past "bootleg" quality. Things seem to smooth out about halfway through, however, and - from then on - it's a "full throttle" party, with the band playing some of their biggest hits ("I Stand Alone," "Down On Me," "The Lumberjack") and the audience eating it up. You'll get a general idea of how much fun this show must have been when the band rips into "Dirty Little Mind," and what is apparently a mass strip tease show by the women in the audience and Jackyl lead vocalist Jesse James Dupree. It's enough to make you want to go out and buy the companion DVD, which is also now available.

Loaded with the raw, raunchy and energetic live performances that Jackyl fans love, "Live from the Full Throttle" is a moment in time in the history of this controversial and always entertaining band - a band that has been called the South's answer to AC/DC.

For more information, check out http://www.jackyl.com.

"Relentless" (Humidity; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Southern Rock's answer to AC/DC once again delivers their solid and consistent wall of rock sound with "Relentless." Like all of Jackyl's CDs, "Relentless" is thick with the band's loud trademark sound of chunky guitars, pounding drums and lead vocalist Jesse Dupree's raging Brian Johnson scream. And, speaking of the AC/DC singer, he co-wrote the track "Kill the Sunshine."

As enjoyable as "Relentless" is, however, it doesn't quite stand up to the band's classic self-titled CD but, then again, neither does most of their catalog. Still, like AC/DC, even so-so Jackyl is good Jackyl and "Relentless" rocks hard and wild from beginning to end. Jesse's legendary chainsaw even makes a re-appearance here on the tune, "Billy Badass."

Jackyl: Chris Worley, Jeff Worley, Roman Glick, Jesse Dupree.

For more information, check out http://www.jackyl.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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