Once again, Rich Hopkins has collaborated with another talented singer/songwriter, and the result is one of Hopkins' finest efforts in years. Hopkins' signature "wall of guitars" sound, which has buoyed the Sidewinders, Sand Rubies and the Luminarios, can still snarl like Neil Young, but "Loveland" brings out Rich's more melodic and jangly side as well. Lisa Novak's folk/country twang is an excellent counterpoint to the cascading riffs of Desert Rock's primo axeman. "Loveland" is one of the finest Arizona pop/rock albums to be released since the Gin Blossoms' "New Miserable Experience." NOTE: Hopkins was the producer of the Blossoms' prequel album - "Dusted." Rich Hopkins has never been shy about weaving his emotions and his personal life into his lyrics, and "Loveland" is no exception to this rule. Novak and love have clearly reinvigorated Hopkins at a stage in his career when most of his peers are struggling for new material. Long may you run, Sir Rich and Lady Lisa!

It's a shame I'm not allowed to give 10 stars, but there you go. These guys are both great songwriters and RH's guitar playing is as sublime as ever. Rich made some uncomplimentary remarks in the past about prices in London (England), but with sterling way down at the moment there is surely no excuse not to bring the Sand Rubies over to the UK, preferably with Lisa included ! Come on, Rich, force yourself ! You're my fave living axeman, along with Clem Clempson (Colosseum), and I know a bunch of guys who I can persuade to turn out to any gigs you do in London. So how about it ?!!