Dummy

Edisun

The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet formed in 1967 and actually was a quintet. Seven years and three personnel changes later, the eclectic rock group found itself in a “classic quartet” mode that remained constant until 1994, when guitarist Al Anderson left for a successful songwriting career in Nashville and was replaced by the bass player’s brother.

Since Anderson’s departure, NRBQ has released one kids’ record, a Christmas mini-album, a compilation, two studio albums and four live records. Suffice it to say that the Q is over the loss of Big Al (well, almost — he’s featured here on a now-poignant 1991 outtake, “Misguided Missiles”) and is on firm ground again.

From the first few bars of the title-song opener, “Dummy” never lets up. It’s one song after another of incredible musicianship, demystified by razor-sharp wit (the patriotic “One Big Parking Lot,” the lustful “Call of the Wild,” the downright silly “Hey Punkin Head” and the rockin’ “God With a Blue Dress”).

Throw in a few straight-ahead, sentimental ballads and some obscure covers (including a countrified Mario Lanzo classic), and “Dummy” proves NRBQ are no dummies.

Tracks
1. Dummy
2. One Big Parking Lot
3. Little Rug Bug
4. Call Of The Wild
5. I Need Love
6. Imaginary Radio
7. Hey Punkin Head
8. All That’s Left To Say Is Goodbye
9. Do The Primal Thing
10. What You Mean To Me
11. God With A Blue Dress
12. Be My Love
13. Misguided Missiles

Total time: 37.2 minutes

External Links
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