Screaming Cheetah Wheelies
Big Wheel
(Capricorn)
Watch out!!! Big Wheel, the Screaming Cheetah Wheelies' third release, is rolling your way!!! In this most recent addition to their musical opus the band has improved on all aspects of their song writing. Incorporating the crunch of their first album with the more mature sounds of Magnolia (their second), they have hit an all new musical high for themselves. The Nashville-based quintet decided to take their talent to a suitable enough place this time around, the  infamous Ardent Studios in Memphis, where Stevie Ray Vaughan recorded his final album. Some of the more notable songs on the album include the first single "Boogie King," an ode to singer Mike Farris' roots. The heavier "Halcyon Days," with its upbeat riffs and an obvious southern twinge to it, goes to show that the band is as uncompromising as ever when it comes to the final say on their music. I will have to admit that the first time I heard the 'Wheelies version of the Dr. John song, "Right Place, Wrong Time" it brought a big smile to my face, although I think the Doc' just does it better.  The band does tend to show off their wide variety of influences throughout the album, from blues to rock (fried up southern style of course). In an interview, Mr. Farris even named Al Green as one of their influences, which is generated on a couple of songs including "Grace (write me)"....well are you surprised?! So if you're in the mood to buy a CD and just can't figure out what to buy, go ahead and take Big Wheel for a test-drive, you could be pleasantly surprised.   Oh yeah, and if you like Sonia Dada, listen closely for Chris Cameron's several  guest appearances.
Nathan Hall