Vol. 8 #1 August/September Issue of Country
Standard Time
The Starlight Drifters
Every Note A Pearl
Dyna Electro
Start with a rockabilly base, provided by
originals such as "Ain't Got Time for Love," which features
singer Bill Alton's over-the-top, hiccupped vocals, and
"Spoiled Rotten Baby," which showcases some blistering work
from guitarist/primary songwriter Chris Casello. Strengthen
the base with a full-blooded version of journeyman Jack
Scott's hit "The Way I Walk." Next, throw in a heap of western
swing, beginning with the hot, cowjazz instrumental "Just
Steelin'" (steel work courtesy of the multi-faceted Casello)
and moving on through the relaxed swing of Cindy Walker's
"It's All Your Fault" and a comparatively less successful
take on the old standard "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin." Hop
things up a bit with the honking, sax- and steel-driven
hillbilly boogie of "Jitterbug Judy." Finally, add a little
straight honky tonk - notably, the band's marvelous old-school
weeper "You Keep The Ring," and "She Just Misses Elvis (sometimes)"
which, when you get past the fact of yet another song referencing
the King, turns out to be a pretty good song. What you end
up with is this fine variegated sophomore release.
- Stuart Munn
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