BLACK OAK ARKANSAS ‘10 Year Overnight Success’
(Lemon CDLEM28)(2004) (32:45)
In there prime, in the early 70s, Black Oak Arkansas were one of the best
southern rock around, with a whiskey soaked rough edge that epitomised the
sound.
This 1976 album, named after the anniversary of their roots, was the last to
feature any significant number of original members, and while it’s a great
rock set, it’s pale compared to earlier outings.
The vocals are the distinctive swagger of Big Jim ‘Dandy’ Mangrum, and
there’s plenty of excellent lead guitar. The horns also help fill out the
sound, making it all very enjoyable, it just seems to lack some of the
honesty, blood, sweat and tears of earlier outings. More than welcome on CD
though.
***
Review by Joe Geesin
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