Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Celebrating The Winston-Salem Sound
Omnivore, 2021
9/10
Listen to Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Celebrating The Winston-Salem Sound
Recorded in 2018 at a one time only show at the Ramkat in Winston-Salem, Yesterday’s Tomorrow is actually a collection of songs penned by legends from that scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s, performed by Mitch Easter, Peter Hoisapple, Will Rigby and Chris Stamey, among many others.
The album opens with a Rittenhouse Square tune, who contribute the gritty, retro-rock of “Hot Smoke & Sassafras”, where furious drum fills complement the soaring guitar work, and later on they offer the energetic and melodic “Like Wow”, as well as the ‘70s influenced “King Battle Of The Bands”.
The work of The Love Valets make a few appearances, most notably with the thumping throwback sounds of “Reptilian Disaster”, though the restrained ‘60s climate of “Black Death” won’t to unnoticed either. The Royal Opposition have the biggest presence, and bring horns to the soulful climate of “Got To Get You Into My Life”, while “The Train Stops Here” recruits flutes into the dreamy climate.
Other highlights include Little Diesel’s rugged proto-punk on “Hollywood Swinging”, and Sneaker’s “Condition Red”, which embraces power-pop as well as traces of early punk. The Imperturbable Teutonic Griffin ends the listen drenched in fuzz as crashing percussion and thick guitars illuminate the classic rock dynamics.
The impetus for this project came from Stamey, who penned a memoir that discusses the vibrant Winston scene, and the sound here is incredible, as the players look to the past with plenty of enthusiasm, feedback and raw rock’n’roll. There’s even a 24 page color booklet included with anecdotes, artifacts and rare photographs to help further document this thriving era that still inspires legions of fans to this day.
Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw