Press Play Review

Walkin' Cane and the Sky Dogs - Help Yourself (Lazy Eye Records)

I've never seen Walkin' Cane and the Skydogs live. Despite this lack of a point of reference, it's pretty safe to say that they must smoke on stage. Help Yourself is one of the most spontaneous and energetic blues albums this reviewer has heard. The record sounds like it was recorded in the '50s (in a cool way this is a compliment) and the overall vibe is like a bunch of guys hangin' out, drinking beer and jamming. Perhaps this vibe was achieved by the appearance of no fewer than nine "Honorary Dogs" playing anything from a pizza box to an ashtray to a sledgehammer (although I'm still trying to find that track that features the hammer).

In keeping with the production, these guys stick pretty close to straight blues, but incorporate a variety of influences. For example, the Mississippi Delta-style acoustic blues "Bellyleak Boogie" showcases Walkin' Cane's slide chops using the Dobro 33H pictured on the cover. But the band also throws in jazzy swing, a country-flavored romp, Chicago style electric blues and even gospel. One of the highlights is a tip of the hat to Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters called "Missippi Jim" that in a very clever fashion seamlessly blends the two performers' respective styles. Think "Mannish Boy" meets "If Six Were 9."

The musicianship is top notch throughout and true to whatever style each song calls for. Strangely enough, the only thing that doesn't seem to sit well is Austin "Walkin' Cane" Charanghat's vocals. Though obviously emotion-charged and capable of whisper quiet to rafter shaking bellows, I just don't like it. Maybe it will grow on me.

Regardless, this is good stuff. If they sound this good in a recording studio, I shudder to think what their live show might sound like.