1. Pretty Penny
2. Long Distance Baby
3. Heart O' Mine
4. Family Tree Rag
5. Forget Me
6. Broken Man
7. Wait For Me
8. Fool For You
9. Whale Tail
10. Beautiful Memory Of Mine
11. Unlucky Blues
12. Mexican Wildfire
13. Birmingham Jail
The Bonneville Barons deliver a wonderfully stripped-down blend of authentic rockabilly, hillbilly bop and vintage country on Cures What Ails You, their 13-track album originally released in 2009. Built around slapping upright bass and versatile guitar, this talented duo prove that you don't need a drum kit or a big band to make irresistible rock 'n' roll. Their sound moves effortlessly between swinging country rhythms, bluesy moods and full-throttle rockabilly, with a raw, intimate feel that keeps the music front and centre.
From the lively “Pretty Penny” and “Long Distance Baby” to the swinging “Family Tree Rag” and “Whale Tail”, the album showcases the duo's knack for catchy melodies and infectious rhythms. “Forget Me” and “Fool For You” bring a punchy rockabilly edge, while “Unlucky Blues” and “Mexican Wildfire” add further variety. The collection features 13 original songs, all written by the band, and the CD booklet includes the lyrics, making this a particularly appealing package for fans who like to get closer to the songwriting as well as the music.
A fine choice for fans of traditional rockabilly, hillbilly music, roots country and stripped-back rock 'n' roll, Cures What Ails You captures the energy and inventiveness of a duo making a big sound with minimal instrumentation. If you enjoy slap bass, twangy guitar and songs that draw on the spirit of early country and rockabilly without sounding overproduced, this album deserves a place in your collection.
