Tiddlywinks
Omnivore, 2023
8/10
Originally released in 1980, this 8th album from NRBQ had Terry Adams (keyboards), Joey Spampinato (bass), Tom Ardolino (drums) and Al Anderson (guitar), plus The Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Keith Spring) fleshing out a fan favorite listen that helped bring them much more exposure thanks to consistent airplay on radio stations across the country.
“Feel You Around Me” opens the listen with Ardolino’s playful drumming and the bouncy guitars complementing Adams’ distinct singing, and “Me And The Boys” follows with Spampinato’s swift bass helping cultivate a melodic, driving pop-rocker.
Further on, the warm folk-rock nods of “Beverly” are quite harmonic, while “I Don’t Think Of…” finds a dreamy place to reside, where plenty of breezy rhythm flows with stunning meticulousness.
The last track on the original album, “Hobbies”, recruits the infectious rhythm section amid cozy wordless singing and Adams’ very agile piano, and “Big Goodbyes”, the best of the bonus tracks, is a cultured, diverse rocker that welcomes harmonica to the festive landscape.
The 4 bonus tracks are a great addition to this reissue, and whether you’re an unwavering fan or first time listener, you’ll appreciate these timeless multi-faceted rock gems and the updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark are excellent, too.
NRBQ are still at it, despite member changes, and several passing away. No matter where you start in their vast catalog, you’re guaranteed a good time, and here Tiddlywinks proves that it has aged very well.
Travels well with: Alex Chilton- Live In London: Encore Edition; The Beat Farmers- Tales Of The New West (Deluxe Reissue)