'Hillbilly Tribute' could be Jerry Springer's new soundtrack

Hayseed Dixie
A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain LoveDualtone If your teeth don't buck out from listening to the grit slinging sounds of this ridiculous classic rock tribute band, then you're lucky. Hayseed Dixie's latest release has eight covers of '70s and '80s FM favorites played with a bluegrass feel along with two originals that sound like a Bob and Tom skit. But, as we've all learned from "Deliverance," them rednecks sure can pick! The Cars' "Best Friend's Girl" opens the album and due to Elliot Easton's shit kickin' riffs on the original, this song sounds right at home with a bluegrass feel. While songs like "Centerfold" and "Big Bottom" fall in line with their overalls and boots style makeovers, the hot-rodded version of Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love" sounds a little goofy -- not that goofy means it's out of place here. In fact, I think it's safe to say that nothing would sound too silly on any album featuring songs like "I'm Keeping Your Poop." Hayseed Dixie's bluegrass approach seems to really bring out the band's not so hidden perverted side on "Walk This Way" and "Cat Scratch Fever." Seriously, Dixie's version of "Cat Scratch Fever" makes Terrible Ted's cut sound merely suggestive, though it all seems to be done in good humor (otherwise the band's first TV appearance may be on Jerry Springer). But it's also on these tracks that the band exploits some killer banjo, mandolin, guitar and violin chops. The band is tighter than half of the chumps on the country music circuit, and they don't even have a percussionist. While it's clear the band members don't take themselves too seriously, there's no doubt they can rock in a redneck sort of way. Really, many of these songs work just as well with their bluegrass renditions. A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love may be a novelty album, but it would be funny to put this one on at a party when the girls ask for something to dance to and you're just burnt out on rap or techno.