Album Notes

The Whitey Herzogs started out in 1996 as an experiment on an 8-track
reel-to-reel recorder. Songwriter Jeff Sharp wanted to learn how to engineer and produce music, so he roped in Jamie Pressnell (drums), Warren Truitt (bass) and Philip Shouse (guitar) for an impromtu "hip-hop" album. The result was "My So-Called Turd," a cassette-only collection of raps about beer, Nintendo, old-school wrestlers and random pop culture. Jeff and Jamie formed their own record label, Science Fair, and copies circulated the globe (well, mostly northern Alabama).

The boys immediately started working on their next release... the infamous "Can You Whoop It ?... Say?" (a phrase mostly heard right before a fight breaks out in the boys' locker room). By the time the record was released in 1997, the Herzogs had turned from a studio project into a full-fledged rock show. James Fukai joined in on keys, Adam Bennett provided percussion, Brad Breath spoke rapidly and Steven Hall played lead cowbell. Fire-breathin'? check. Breakdancin'? check. Leather pants and wigs? of course.

In 1998, fan-favorite "Pee Paw did Karate on Me" was released as a humorous compilation tape divided into the Bruce Lee side and Chuck Norris side.

The Herzogs decided to take a breather in 1999 and start other projects. Brad Breath joined the Air Force, Warren moved to New Jersey, Adam started producing videos and James went gold with Trust Company. Jeff, Jamie and Philip recruited bassist Billy Fortenberry to form the rock band Girlfriend Voice and put out a power-pop classic, "The Greatest-Selling Album of All Time". Stages were wrecked and crowds were rocked. In 2002 Philip left the band to pursue super-stardom with his new outfit, The Taste. Since then there's been a new addition to the family, and we named him Jon Harris (after the Cannonboys' guitarist).

During all of this madness Jeff kept on writing songs - some pop tunes, a few rock anthems, several country-western ballads and eventually some new hip-hop (circa 1989, not the Cristal-thug period). Now throw all of those genres into a steel-cage match and imagine the outcome. Pedal-steel guitars skating over hot beats, sunburned by melody, eyes transfixed on the spaceship crashing into the chorus.

Fast forward to to present day and celebrate because the Whitey Herzogs are back by popular demand with a highly anticipated new album, "Cool Out". Buy the music, feel the magic and when the guys hit town make sure that you show up and help 'em blow up.

God gave rock n' roll to YOU,
Dean Horse Jr.
Science Fair Records
www.thewhiteyherzogs.com