Rock And Roll Over
Moosylvania, 2020
10/10
A project spearheaded by Norty Cohen (Moosylvania Records) and Steve McWilliams (The Truehearts), the pair wanted to get money to animal shelters while also keeping the creative juices flowing during the pandemic, so they reached out to their East Nashville friends to contribute exclusive songs about our dog companions.
Included on the benefit are The Truehearts, Mike Younger, Bob Lewis, Phill Price, Anana Kaye, Irakli Gabriel, Brett Ryan Stewart, Steve Rempis, Jimmy Catlett, Mark Robinson, David Conrad, Meghan Hayes, Rebecca Weiner Tompkins, Megan Palmer, Jason Quicksall and Jamie Rubin.
The Truehearts start the listen with warm instrumentation alongside pretty female vocals where they very wisely explain how a dog equates to happiness, and “King Of The Pack”, by Mike Younger, follows with spirited guitar work as backing vocals complement the bluesy atmosphere.
Further on, Bob Lewis offers “That’s My Retriever”, where his smooth vocals guide the folk friendly tune, while “Woooooo All Day” aligns Irakli Gabriel with Brett Ryan Stewart on the charming Americana album highlight that is cleverly told from the dog’s point of view. “Pitbulls Rock”, another exceptional tune, then brings Jimmy Catlett’s inimitable pipes to the frisky drumming and instant sing-alongs about our lovable Pittys.
The back half of the record is just as great, and includes the lush, organic landscape of David Conrad’s “My Labrador Retriever”, and “He’s A Poodle pairs Megan Palmer and Jason Quicksall on a playful, retro delivery. Near the end, Jamie Rubin’s crunchy guitar makes “I Am Your Beagle” a late disc standout with its cautious, rockin’ demeanor.
An extremely uplifting listen where each artist pens a song about a different breed, if you’re a pet owner, you’re going to be able to relate to everything here, and maybe even laugh out loud a couple of times. With a very eclectic cast of musicians on board, there’s something for everyone and it’s executed with much positivity and all for a cause we can all get behind.
Travels well with: Meghan Hayes- Seen Enough Leavers; Matt Eckstine- Lil’ Blue