THE DEAD SOUTH -SERVED LIVE
Just a little pat on the back for the AMP crew (Scott Steinberg, Anne Estella, Kate Carroll). This is our 200th post and we are very pleased with the reception the website has received during these past 4 years. AMP has received over 231,737 hits from over 96,000 visitors scattered around the world. Thank you for your support. We hope to continue to deliver the high caliber of reporting we strive to achieve. Once again thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.
The Dead South is no stranger to AMP. This is one of the bands that Scott and I truly enjoy. Their offbeat and novel form of Americana catches us the right way. We reviewed two of their past albums and did a piece on their live show at the House of Blues in Boston. Well, The Dead South recently released a live disc featuring 17 songs recorded at various venues from around the world. And to our delight, one of the House of Blues’ tunes made the cut.
The Dead South is Nate Hilts (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Pringle (Mandolin/Vocals), Danny Kenyon (Cello/Vocals) and Colton Crawford (Banjo). The string ensemble’s groove is a raucous style of folk, bluegrass and Americana. Some of their songs can be gritty and somber yet others humorous and endearing. Whichever way the wind blows, all their compositions are fiery and entertaining.
Due to the fact that the record contains 17 tracks, we are going to run through only our favorites even though every song is memorable. It was actually difficult to just pick out a few.
Served Live (Six Shooter Records) opens with the magnificent “Diamond Ring” from their album Sugar and Joy. Recorded at the Belasco Theatre in L.A., the song is the perfect tune to get that first taste of The Dead South. Ominous and dark, “Diamond Ring” whets the appetite for more. Up next is the fun “Blue Trash”. It’s bouncy and full of awesome instrumental runs. Hilts’ voice is gravelly and overflowing with texture.
“The Recap”, recorded at the Revolution Concert House in Garden City, ID, best captures the band’s unique flavor. The picking is tremendous and Kenyon’s cello is intrepid. The storyline of a chronic bar fighter getting his just dues is masterful. “Miss Mary”, taped at the show AMP reviewed in Boston, is snappy with Crawford’s stellar banjo. As usual, The Dead South‘s organic harmonies take center stage.
“Snake Man PT. 1 & 2” recorded in the U.K. showcases the band’s imposing musicianship. After a short musical interlude, the band dives aggressively into the manic waters of “Snake Man”. Pringle’s mandolin flairs with crazed intensity.
The rockabilly tinged “Fat Little Killer Boy” recounts the sinister dealing of a murderous youth. Even though the lyrics are nefarious, the tune is light and buoyant. The highlight of the disc is The Dead South‘s monster hit, “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company”. Recorded in Halifax, N.S., the song is pure dynamite. It’s such a lively and entertaining ditty. It will instantly turn you into a convert. Also check out the sensational video.
The Dead South end the record with with foot stomping “Banjo Odyssey” Again their heartfelt harmonies and dynamic musicianship captures their true essence.
Served Live is a great album. With the lack of live music this past year, this is a pleasant surprise. We can’t wait till we can once again catch The Dead South on stage, mesmerizing a full house.
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To learn more about The Dead South, check out their website
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