In contrast to such '70s country-rock outfits as the Eagles and Poco,
whose members had passed through the West Coast folk-rock scene dominated
by the Byrds, the Amazing Rhythm Aces were a Memphis-based band. Their
debut album is an edgy effort, rooted in a purer Southern sound, and embracing
a soulfulness that their West Coast rivals lacked. The country gospel
tune "Life's Railway to Heaven," the funky "The 'Ella B',"
the stomping "Hit the Nail on the Head," and the soulful "The
Beautiful Lie" would never have been done in as raw, intense, or
bracing a fashion by their rivals. Russell Smith brings a vocal performance
to Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be" that sounds like
he's channeling the ghost of Sam Cooke. And between those album highlights
and the hits "Third Rate Romance" and "Amazing Grace (Used
to Be Her Favorite Song)," the group works in a sweetly nostalgic
piece called "King of the Cowboys," all about movie and television
heroes.
(by Bruce Eder, All
Music Guide)
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