About John J. Geysen
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Having troubles? Life got you down? Looking for something real? Then Honey Pie, West of Memphis’ second album, might be what you need. It’s low down, the perfect soundtrack for drinking whiskey alone on a hot summer night.
I liked this album before I even listened to it. The cover art features a 40’s style pin-up resting on a harmonica. The band describes Honey Pie as a record “with music and artwork influenced by the dawn of the electric blues era.” But don’t let that throw you. West of Memphis aren’t a novelty act. They deliver a solid blues album that tells timeless stories.
Co-founded in 1999 by Karl Cabbage and guitarist Tom Walpole, West of Memphis derive their name from Karl’s musical apprenticeship playing the harp on Beale Street (the home of the blues) in Memphis. Honey Pie retains an organic, spontaneous feel. They even include some of the banter that goes on during the recording process. It strives for a live feel. With music like this there’s no place to hide. Bands can’t fall back on noise or expansive production. And you can tell that these guys love the music.
Mixing originals with covers like Willie Dixon’s “I’m Ready,” the songs speak to sadness and loss but always with that redemptive quality the blues requires. Highlights include the dirge like “Back Door Friend.” If you’ve got the blues it hits the spot. The title track sounds like it was recorded in some roadhouse where the drunk crowd started singing along. It’s a highpoint in a wonderfully relentless album that’ll wear you down. Honey Pie surprised me, especially the Cabbage/Walpole song, “Cell Phone Blues.” But then again it’s hard not to like songs built around the harmonica and a heavy beat.
To quote the liner notes, songs like these keep the “good times rollin’” and the “good booze flowin’”
