Derringer - Sweet Evil

For some reason during his solo career Rick Derringer decided to have a band named after him rather than simply being a solo act. Not that many people noticed the difference, but I suppose it was an attempt at democracy.

In any case, this record is probably my favorite RD album, as I find it more consistent than some of the others, including All American Boy, which was the one that featured his biggest hit, “Rock’n’Roll, Hootchie Koo”. While this release does not have a stand out cut like that one, it is good, solid, 70’s rock from start to finish.

While lyrically the songs are pretty sophomoric (see “Sittin’ By the Pool”, “Let’s Make It”, “Don’t Stop Loving Me” and “Keep on Makin’ Love”), Rick interjects plenty to keep things musically interesting, such as the minor key melodies of “One Eyed Jack” and “Drivin’ Sideways”. The solos are always superb, as well – Rick is among the top 70’s rock guitarists – especially when he takes off in wild tangents, such as in the afore-mentioned “Drivin’ Sideways”. He also has a great voice and is not afraid of catchy vocal melodies infused into his hard rock.

Rick was a prominent and important musician throughout the 60’s and 70’s and made significant contributions through bands like the McCoys, Johnny Winter and…, Edgar Winter’s White Trash and more, as well as his time on his own. I don’t know if I would recommend this universally, but for those who are looking for some slightly lesser known but cool 70’s guitar rock, this is a good one!