Yeller Bellies - Here to Suffer

The YB’s were another band that were, unfairly I think, type-cast as simply a rockabilly combo. Obviously, that is a big influence on their sound, but with many other sources, as well – country, bluegrass, punk and just plain ol’ rock’n’roll. They mixed everything up in their band blender and came out with an amazing sound of their own.

I have two CDs from the Bellies and they are both superbly high quality. The themes on this one speaks to my Swamp Gospel soul, though. From the hellfire preacher on the cover to the sounds and the lyrics, they are here to tell you why you are Here to Suffer!

“Ashes, Smoke and Flame” shows the country influence immediately with a somewhat quiet opening section before blasting into a rockabilly-fueled, high-energy stomper fired by Jimmy Krah’s drums. Rob Bell’s vocals fit the sounds perfectly – a bit of a southern drawl, but real melodies and emotion. Joel Hillhouse riffs like a man possessed while stand-up bassist Mitch Potter holds down the fort and drives them along.

The New Orlean’s voodoo-themed “Buried Alive” is a slower blues groove with some guest harping by the Lucky Cheats’ Jeff Koenig that then moves into “Boomstick”, a 50’s pounder with some neat accents. As you might guess from the title, “El Guante” is a Mexican-inspired instrumental that is then followed by the minor-chord driven “Goin’ Down”, which takes you on a trip through heaven and Hades with some excellent lyrics from Rob. Bell likes to spin a tale and does so again on “Ballad of the Killer Biker Chicks”, which is more acoustic based and way-too-short. More country influences come into play in “Jackass”, with some unique vocalizing and a movin’ groove.

Pedal-steel guitar makes the sad story of “She Blames It All on You” more traditionally C&W, with fine melodies once again and a great arrangement. “My Sincere Apologies” is somewhat Swing-based, with a feel similar to “Stray Cat Strut” (sorry – I can’t think of what that one was stolen from!) that precedes the superb title track – up-tempo, nice minor chords, some cool mandolin fills by Rob (a neat touch that adds a very different tone) and, of course, more stylish lyrics. Joel’s licks really help to add interest to all of the tunes, as well.

A soul-stompin’ dance number comes in the shape of a “Hobo Prophet” with a particularly potent guitar solo that really jumps out at ya. “That’ll Learn ‘em” is a quieter call-and-answer tune with more Koenig harp, some cool slide, and a chorus that you can’t help but join in on! The guys end the proceedings with their take on the Gun Club’s take on Robert Johnson’s take on “Preachin’ the Blues” with some terrific slide work throughout.

An all-around phenomenal album that really makes me wish that I had a chance to see these cats live – they must have been something else! The song-writing is exceptional, with truly clever lyrics that really work, and everyone’s playing is top-notch. Any fan of roots & blues & 50’s r’n’r needs to search this one out! And check out Rob & Jimmy’s new band, the Psyatics, as well as Joel’s latest combo, the Shandaleers (that had also sported Mitch, but he has just moved – so if ya wanna play bass in a quality project – give 'em a shout!).