Hillbilly IDOL - Hillbilly IDOL (2002)

Hillbilly Idol's follow-up to Town and Country proves an altogether tasty smorgasbord of rootsy country, honky-tonk, Western swing, and newgrass. Smart, without being smart-alecky--even on the novelty number "Hillbilly Polka," a song about a guy with a thing for a squeezebox girl--this Cleveland, Ohio, band thrills on such demanding instrumentals as "Four Brothers," and on steel player Al Moss's meaty, banjo-driven "Dixie Highway Home," destined to become a 'grassy classic. There's a surprise on almost every song, and versatility abounds, from the "spaghetti beach instrumental" of "Sirocco" to stylish covers of Tim O'Brien's "Late in the Day" and the Louvin Brothers' "She Didn't Even Know I Was Gone." Mix in some sophisticated humor and the fine duet vocals of founding members Dave Huddleston and Paul Kovac, and add some instrumental riffs that pay tribute to both country and rock influences, and you've got an album you'll be recommending to your friends and playing over and over again. Did they say Cleveland? Amazing.~Alanna Nash