Last Man Standing is an entertaining new CD featuring classic rock n’ roll served up in familiar country style. But Eddie Rhoades, who wrote or cowrote most of the songs, has definitely developed unique fun-loving music reminescent of John Fogerty, Jimmy Buffett, and Chuck Berry, all wrapped up into one. Eddie’s distinctive voice has a lot of character and I guarantee it will grow on you. Who could ask for more?
The CD starts out with a great rock n’ roll tune, One Good Woman, that will get you dancing around the room. There are several really good dancing songs on this CD with plenty of great rocking guitar and keyboard, including Lightning Quick, Traffic Light, and Here Kitty. The jacket notes for this last song say children will love to sing along with the chorus, but look out for the sexual innuendoes. In fact, most of the songs on this CD are full of clever lyrics about sex, women, and rock n’ roll life, all served up with a sense of humor, of course.
The other tracks are pretty good listening as well. Rock Bottom Bar, a melodic Willie Nelson-style ballad that describes the regrets of a dive bar musician, will have you singing along. A really nice Carribean song is Island Girl, that features some beautiful guitar work by Eddie. The title track, Last Man Standing, is dominated by nostalgic organ performances played in classic early 60s style by producer Bird Youmans, who also stands out on Green Man, a catchy tune about gardening till you turn green. (Eddie is, among other things, a Lifetime Master Gardener.)
Only two of the songs are not performed by Eddie. The Singer, written by Eddie’s younger brother Robert Rhoades, is a sentimental tribute to his brother, and I believe he really means what he says. Beginning of the End is a sad country song performed by Eddie’s daughter Amanda Flanagan. It’s the classic tear jerker, so if you have ever been there and done that, you will love the way she sings it. Jim Howe’s violin solos are the perfect compliment.
The sound clips on CD Baby really don’t do justice to these songs. I enjoyed hearing the CD so much that I recommended it to my friends, who all agree with me when I say that Last Man Standing is a wonderful first effort. I hope Eddie Rhoades keeps on writing and keeps on singing, too. I promise to keep on listening.
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