Preacher Stone - Preacher Stone (2009)

Throughout my time as a devoted Southern rock enthusiast, I have had a plethora of albums spin their way through my turntables and CD players. (I won't even mention the 8-track player I got for my 5th birthday 'cause that will most definitely date me from way back!) Out of all the rock, blues, country, and jazz albums I've heard, there are always those albums that scream Southern Rock! From the feel of the music, the themes of the songs, even to the “look” of the cover, Southern rock leaves an unmistakable mark. The new CD from Preacher Stone is one of those albums.

These boys from North Carolina have taken the roots of Southern rock and brought into the modern era to give us one powerhouse CD. Ronnie Riddle, lead vocalist and lyricist, has the unique ability to tell a story with a sense of authenticity and credibility. With a voice that sounds soaked with attitude and Old No. 7, Ronnie shines on “Not Today”, “Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin' Sum Bitch”, “That's Just the Whiskey Talkin'”, and “Southern Hospitality.” The guitar work by Marty Hill and Benny Huntt is outstanding! Between the tasty dual leads and straight-ahead in your face leads, this dynamic duo rocks like Southern boys should.

Southern justice, kickin' ass, and drinkin' whiskey is just a slice of what this band is all about. When its time to get introspective, check out “Brother's Keeper” and “Blood from a Stone” for the impressive Hammond B-3 sounds from keyboardist Duke Rivers. The band slows it down to ask the age-old questions that have plagued man for ages.

Every song on this album has a hook and reason for being there. Nothing seems throw-away or rushed. This is an album you will listen to all the way through. The production of this album is outstanding and sounds more like something I would expect from a band signed to a major label. If this is just the beginning of Preacher Stone, I can't wait to hear what comes next! These guys are living proof that Southern rock is still alive and well.

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Preacher Stone - Uncle Buck's Vittles (2010)

01. Can't keep a Good Man Down
02. Carved In Stone
03. Come on In
04. Early Morning Rise
05. Nuff Said
06. Hand On The Bible
07. I'll Be Damned
08. Save My Soul
09. Don't Take Me With You When You're Gone
10. Judge Me Not
11. Come Together

Listening to Uncle Buck's Vittles, one might say Preacher Stone is more Lynyrd Skynyrd and less Allman Brothers when considering their Southern rock legacy. Preacher Stone rocks hard as Can't Keep a Good Man Down, Carved in Stone, or Judge Me Not certainly prove. Yet everything is tempered by some gritty blues rock guitar and country dobro. A possible touch of the Bakersfield sound can be found in I'll Be Damned. Also true to form, Preacher Stone mixes God, guns, and sex in a fine enigmatic formula on Nuff Said, Come On In, and Save My Soul. Add family and traditional sentimentalism and Preacher Stone nails the ballad Hand on the Bible (although I don't think a single member of Preacher Stone has ever lifted the cover of the Good Book). Production and mix is solid: clear and dynamic. But sometimes the songs run on when Preacher Stone made their point within three and a half minutes: Can't Keep a Good Men Down and Carved in Stone are victims. They cover The Beatles Come Together in a southern rock way like Aerosmith did in a hard rock vein; it's okay, but I think I'd like to hear it live before passing verdict.
In the end, with Preacher Stone and Uncle Buck's Vittles you have a solid representation of classic Southern hard rock without the pomp and hair spray of the current Nashville version. No, Uncle Buck's Vittles is gritty and gut level: suitable for a rowdy kegger on a Friday night or a back porch congregation around a bottle of Jack on Saturday afternoon.

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