My Favorite Records:Amazing Rhythm Aces – Full House, Aces High

This is the fourth part in my series of favorite records. The list so far is here.

One of my favorite country rock bands is The Amazing Rhythm Aces. Led by a fantastic singer and songwriter, Russell Smith (a neighbor of my sister in Tennessee), they put out 6 excellent records in a row between 1975 and 1981.

The last of these is the double live album Full House, Aces High. This limited release album was recorded by the band as a sort of farewell to their fans (the band later reunited) and for years was pretty hard to find. I have the LP and later bought a CD-R copy from one of the band members. Now this gem of a record has been released on CD.

From the first note of The End is Not in Sight through the last note of I’m Gonna Miss You (Like the Devil) this record captures the best of the country by country rock sound. Highlights include a bluesy version of Just Between Me and You and the Wall (You’re a Fool), the best version of Dancing the Night Away and my favorite drinking song ever, Amazing Grace (Used to be Her Favorite Song). King of the Cowboys is dedicated to John Wayne (“my hero” according to Russell Smith) and could be a bookend for Guy Clark’s Desperados Waiting on a Train.

This record has been criticized some for a bad mix and record pops (the CD was probably recorded as a needle-drop), but I hear none of those problems. The mix sounds perfect to me, especially the keyboard track, which is an integral part of the sound. The occasional needle pop only adds to the authentic experience of hearing this band at the top of its game during a time when LPs still ruled.

There is not a bad track on this record. If you like good country/country rock, you will love this record.

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