It’s About Pride
Rocket Science Ventures
The Outlaws’ self-titled debut came out in July 1975. They were the first rock group signed to Clive Davis’ Arista record label. “There Goes Another Love Song” and the 10-minute opus “Green Grass and High Tides Forever” became instant FM radio staples, taking the album to No. 13 on the Billboard 200.
Thirty-seven years, several personnel changes, one reunion, a bitter trademark battle and three passings of original recording members later, the current Outlaws incarnation has managed to pull off the group’s sixth studio album and first new record in 18 years.
“It’s About Pride” is not “Once an Outlaw,” the reputed 13-track, in-the-can album some say was shelved after singer/co-lead-guitarist Hughie Thomasson died in 2007 and his widow lost a subsequent legal battle over rights to the group’s name. But one song on “Pride” — “Trail of Tears,” by current co-lead-guitarist Chris Anderson — apparently was among “Once’s” tracks.
Thomasson undoubtedly was The Lone Outlaw, the group’s sole constant member until his death. And if it exists, “Once” might be superior to “Pride.” But this new album was still worth the wait.
The remaining original members — singer/co-lead-guitarist Henry Paul and drummer Monte Yoho — and four others (mostly onetime members of the Outlaws, the Henry Paul Band and/or Paul’s platinum-selling country band Blackhawk) do an admirable job of continuing the Outlaws legacy.
The trademark three-lead-guitar attack that earned the nickname Florida Guitar Army is intact, as well as the classic three-part harmonies. And though some tracks tilt a tad toward slick country, as opposed to the trad-country/bluegrass influences found on second LP “Lady in Waiting,” the boys prove ready, willing and able to rock — particularly on the second half of “Pride’s” seven-and-a-half-minute title track, which references the group’s role in the Southern rock movement.
Other highlights: the boogie fun of motorcycle-themed “Born to Be Bad”; the banjolike electric rhythm guitar on “The Flame”; the thundering bass and crashing drums approximating horse hooves for “Trouble Rides a Fast Horse”; and the gradually increasing tempo of “So Long” that culminates in a short-but-sweet instrumental tour de force to take the album out.
Tracks
1. Tomorrow’s Another Night
2. Hidin’ Out in Tennessee
3. It’s About Pride
4. Born To Be Bad
5. Last Ghost Town
6. Nothin’ Main About Main Street
7. The Flame
8. Trail Of Tears
9. Right Where I Belong
10. Alex’s Song
11. Trouble Rides A Fast Horse
12. So Long
Total time: 57:38
External links
artist’s website
amazon.com
iTunes Store
