MILES FROM HOME Austin Daze Review by Daisy Riprock

RUBY DEE AND THE SNAKEHANDLERS – Miles From Home

So Love, what is rock n roll to you? I adore my ZZ Top and Metallica as much as the next “For Those About To Rock” t-shirt wearer, but rock n roll in its purist form is often called rockabilly.

This group recalls plenty of the sound to fall into that category, although I wouldn’t completely limit them to it. Ruby Dee Phillippa’s vocals are reminiscent of Wanda Jackson, but the band also mixes in Bakersfield, California and Hank Williams as influences too. The songs have quite a bit of originality to them despite the retro feel, and that set them apart for me.

This very danceable disc had me consider filling the living room with hay and inviting some friends over for a swing dance party on the spot. My roommate Lily was either the voice of reason or party pooper depending on how you look at it, and suggested we go to the Broken Spoke instead. I think she just didn’t want to clean up. At least we still had a good time, though.

Word on the street says this outfit is moving to Austin near the end of the year, leaving Seattle heartbroken and perhaps leaving us the happiest town since Bop City. I personally can’t wait to see this band live.

9 Daisy Stars

Daisy’s Favorite Lyric: “You sing loud and I’ll sing louder, now we’re settin’ the woods on fire!”

http://www.austindaze.com/2008/09/22/daisy-riprock/