I was wondering, as I walked into this show, what exactly was I gonna write about? I’ve seen LSS more times than I have fingers to count. I was worried that I was just gonna end up writing (or worse, copy/pasting) the same review into a new subject and moving on. There are parts of the last LSS show where a copy/paste is relevant, if not necessary:

The scene was familiar. Newbies to LSS standing up front. Veterans of Shaker shows standing out of range of snot rockets and the occasional pubic hair tossing, but with their hand covering the top of their cups just in case they underestimated J.D.’s snot launching and pube tossing prowess. The bean pole that is J.D. Wilkes preaching to the crowd with a fire and brimstone to rival any Pentecostal preacher, sometimes using old-fashioned microphones or a harmonica, all with a frenzy that surprising everyone, rookie and vets alike. All being backed by his choir, featuring the ever popular David Lee (guitarist), Mark Robertson (bass) and the new guy on drums banging out a gothic-rockabilly-polka version of southern rock/punk.

However, let’s talk about that drummer for a spell. I have no idea who he is, but he has really added a new element to the Shackshaker’s live show. Either they have really turned the volume up on the drums or this dude beats those things liked they fucked his girl last night. I am gonna vote the latter. Somehow, those bigger drums and the addition of a double bass has given the band an infusion of energy (I didn’t think it was possible, either). The end result was the best performance I have seen by the band since the Halloween show of 2005 at Skippers…and that was probably the best show I saw that year.

So, November gave me the best Shack*Shaker album in a few years, coupled with the best Shack*Shaker show in a few years. Coincidence? Who cares, it kicks ass!

The Legendary Shack*Shakers - Blood on the Bluegrass
The Legendary Shack*Shakers - Where’s the Devil When You Need Him
The Legendary Shack*Shakers - No Such Thing
The Legendary Shack*Shakers - Old Spur Line

Note: I took pictures but being the idiot I am I forgot to upload them last night. I’ll put them up when I get home tonight and post the link here.