csberry

As someone born and, somewhat, raised in Alabama, it is a given that I have been exposed to Lynyrd Skynyrd. You don't live in the state and not have any opinion of the band, thanks to "Sweet Home Alabama" (which, by law, must be played by every classic rock station at least twice a day with other Skynyrd songs played, at least, every other hour). I've always thought Skynyrd was okay, but just not my cup of tea.

Listening to (pronounced lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd) changed my mind today. This album is really fantastic. The band sound supremely confident on this album; they bash out the rockers and swing softly during the ballads. The mix of country, rock, blues, and garage sounds both rebellious and inviting. The way the three guitars work together distracted me a few times when I concentrated and picked out what each was doing. The keys/organ are there when are needed and when they grab the listener's full attention, it is for a reason and that time isn't wasted. I did have to remind myself during the second half of the album that I was listening to Skynyrd and not ZZ Top, though.

Songs I knew I liked: "Tuesday's Gone," "Gimme Three Steps," and "Freebird"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "I Ain't the One," "Simple Man," and "Poison Whiskey"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None