REVIEWS CD and Show Reviews HeavyHadres.de Feb. 22nd 2010 CD Review by Michael Schindler German translated thru Google Translate Southern Rock is alive! No, not by the unspeakable latest album of the former flagship rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd, but through the windows as we discussed here. The fact that this is also a self-produced debut album, makes it even one step more sympathetic. The five musicians from North Carolina can and will deny any time, by which bands they were mainly affected. The...
REVIEWS CD and Show Reviews HeavyHadres.de Feb. 22nd 2010 CD Review by Michael Schindler German translated thru Google Translate Southern Rock is alive! No, not by the unspeakable latest album of the former flagship rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd, but through the windows as we discussed here. The fact that this is also a self-produced debut album, makes it even one step more sympathetic. The five musicians from North Carolina can and will deny any time, by which bands they were mainly affected. The aforementioned Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as one coming to mind as well as Molly Hatchet and .38 Special, which sounds like the end of 2008 formed band does not like a clone of one of these bands, but as a successful mixture of many of these influences. Ronnie Riddle's voice sounds schnapsgeschwängert enough to carry the message of the pieces of a credible, even if he is one of the best singers of this genre. The Twingitarren pepper riffs, hooks, slides, and solos from the sleeve, so that there is only smoke, the Hammond organ-rattling does not sound cheap, but for smoky saloon atmosphere and the rhythm section plays a partially missed the devilish groove. If necessary, also matching the background songs are interspersed, of course, presented by the fair sex. And all this is embedded in an old-fashioned in the best sense of Production, which gives the tracks an appropriate shabbiness. Among the songs will be utilized the full range of genres: Simple, crunchy Southern rockers, bluesgeschwängerte SloMo-songs, country, said good-mood pieces and even an excursion into harder regions, with this rather goes straight into his pants, somehow " Tractor Pull "the song that moves me most likely to control the skip button. For other pieces have fallen even more successful, for example, we take the almost pure blues track "Blood From A Stone" or the dangerous evil "Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin 'Sum Bitch," which are songs that are simply good. Lyrically, the band is, of course, arrested, their homes, something else would be completely inappropriate for this music. It turns everything around so fast trucks, fast girls, and quickly burned and drank rum to the home and the lives of small people, but always sympathetic, and above all more apolitical. Yes, a few minor flaws but this debut shows on yet, but by and large, the entry can be described as quite successful. Five points in it, albeit barely. Good disc ... Hellspawn.be February 17th, 2010 CD Review by Nico Photobucket Here come the ZZ Sons! That was the first thing that came to my mind when hearing the first notes of "Preacher stone". At times the vocals of Ronny Riddle are very similar to those of the young Dusty Hill (ZZ Top bass player/leather lung vocalist). Even besides that, Preacher Stone is a band from The South and that's exactly how they sound! Just formed in 2008, but they've got the whole southern rock legacy in their music, next to ZZ Top you may also mention Molly Hatchet or Raging Slab as a reference. The name, the sound, the lyrics, the looks... Everything matches. And with "Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin' Sum Bitch" you nominate yourself in the category song title of the year! The fans of the genre have a new name to look out for, now let's become a regular. I trust them to be. Jukebox Metal.com February 16th, 2010 CD Review by Andy Lye Photobucket Unsigned newcomers Preacher Stone, who completed this record after just a year together, have delivered a debut album which sounds like a relaxed Molly Hatchet or Lynyrd Skynyrd, with the perfect voice in Ronnie Riddle. This is predominantly Southern rock with plenty of early ZZ Top blues, great lead guitar and chilled out grooves from start to finish with concert-ready choruses. Opener Not Today is the perfect example of their sound. But it’s not all swampy grooves; there’re some grittier riffs and Zakk Wylde squeals to change things up a bit on the likes of Tractor Pull with a chunkier Alice In Chains riff, and on Mother To Bed with a riff straight from Wylde’s Pride & Glory outfit. Livin’ Proof is pure blues in the vein of Joe Bonamassa and Aynsley Lister, with an obviously more southern lilt, and Homegrown Hoedown is exactly what the title suggests it should be. Ordinarily as a Southern rock band releasing a new album in the same year as Lynyrd Skynyrd, probably still the undisputed legends of the genre, would be ill-advised, but as good as God & Guns is, Preacher Stone is better, and easily the best Southern rock record of 2009. Fireworks Magazine (Europe) February '10 - Review by Ant Heeks Preacher Stone As soon as I saw the name of this band and saw the cattle skull on the cover I knew it could only be one thing; Southern Rock! This North Carolina quintet formed at the end of 2008 and proudly bear the influence of Lynyrd Skynyrd (obviously!) and add Classic Rock touches of Bad Company, Aerosmith and The Black Crowes. Vocalist Riddle has those whisky-soaked vocals that suit this kind of music perfectly, and guitarists Marty Hill and Bennie Huntt play their parts stylishly and soulfully on the slower numbers without being too flash, but know when to crank it up and rock out. Opener 'Not Today' is a mid-tempo bruiser with subtle touches of Hammond Organ, it's storytelling lyric a bitter tale of love and revenge, which is then followed by the slow-burning 'Livin' Proof', both tracks very classy in delivery with melodic choruses and guitar solos. It's the third track that really kicks the album into life with the hard-rocking boogie of 'Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin' Sum Bitch', with fantastic opening line 'Granddaddy was a hell raiser first class, a fist-fightin', bar brawlin', kicker of ass!' Subtle it ain't, but hugely enjoyable it is. 'That's Just The Whisky Talkin' is pure classic Skynyrd, while Brother's keeper is another mid-tempo track with a more contemporary sound and thought-provoking lyrics. 'Blood From A Stone' is slow crawling blues, another bitter love song with the Hammond to the fore. In complete contrast, 'Tractor Pull' has an absolute cruncher of a guitar riff, topped with a voice box - it is Joe Walsh jamming with Black Stone Cherry and features more double entendres than a Carry On film. 'Homegrown Hoedown' is just that, a rollicking redneck sing-along party Stomper, the lyrics slightly cheesy to most people, but when you look at it from a Southern perspective it works just fine. 'Southern Hospitality' is another classic Skynyrd rocker, and the closing 'Mother To Bed' has another gargantuan riff, and is a great rocking end to the album. Is it original? No, but then what is nowadays, and who gives a shit anyway? Worth parting with your hard earned cash for? Hell Yeah!! Power Play Magazine (Europe) February 2010 - Review by Matt Ingham Preacher Stone If you like your rock 'n' roll down and dirty with a large slice of bluegrass, then Preacher Stone is right up your alley. Hailing from Charlotte North Carolina, this five piece consisting of Ronnie Riddle (vocals) Marty Hill (guitars) Benny Huntt (guitars), Josh Sanders (bass) and Brent Enman (drums), have created a debut offering of blues oriented rock songs for any hoedown. Opener "Not Today' is raw sounding slabs of guitar licks and a underlying bed of keys, which would not sound out of place on a lynyrd skynyrd album. Standout tracks include the infectious "Livin Proof" with its funk driven riff and powerful vocals and the more gentle Blood From a Stone" which has a country feel to it, but still packing a punch. Preacher Stone obviously have a sense of humor that is brought to the fore in the gloriously titled "Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin Sum Bitch" and "Tractor Pull" which were quite possibly written with tongue firmly in cheek. 1/24/2010 - The Charlotte Examiner Review by Monty Chandler Preacher Stone covered the weekends entertainment over at Ricky J's Sports Bar and Grill on Sam Wilson road. A true neighborhood bar, Ricky J's has a decent sound system and a few lights on the band. For the patron's, they provide some really nice entertainment, competitively priced beverages, friendly service, and a nice sized bar. This weekend Preacher Stone brought a perfect blend of entertainment - first rate original Southern Rock tunes in a classic rock style with catchy lyrics and soulful ballads in the tradition of the legends that preceded them. True to the classic rock roots and able to perform fan favorite covers with an equally dedicated level of energy and emotion. Performing most of the songs from their self-titled 2009 CD release, lead vocalist Ronnie Riddle was vocally powerful, in tune, and on tone. His voice was made for soulful Southern Rock harmony. Ronnie has that "Van Zandt" southern rock voice that puts him at ease with country or rock tunes set in the classic southern style. The band certainly makes it an intimate evening as they seem very relaxed and in touch with the audience. A different experience to that of a larger event like Charlotte's Blues Brews & BBQ this past September. With a repertoire of original tools in their musical kit this is a local talent that begs a broader level of coverage and recognition within the Charlotte music scene. Preacher Stone's ability to resonate with a broad spectrum of music fans through the country roots of their music positions them nicely for acceptance by the wider audience. If audience reaction to their music is any indicator, we should all look forward to seeing more of them in venues around the Queen City. The Rock and Roll Report 12/2009 www.rockandrollreport.com Preacher Stone CD Review by Aaron Phillips If you like your rock ‘n’ roll down and dirty with a large slice of bluegrass then Preacher Stone will be right up your dusty alley. Hailing from Charlotte North Carolina, this five piece consisting of Ronnie Riddle (Drums), Marty Hill (Guitars), Benny Huntt (Guitars), Josh Sanders (Bass), and Brett Enman (Drums), have created a debut offering of blues orientated rock songs fit for any hoedown. Opener “Not Today” is raw sounding with slabs of guitar licks and a underlying bed of keys, which would not sound out of place on a Lynyrd Skynyrd album. Stand out tracks include the infectious “Livin’ Proof” with it’s funk driven riff and powerful vocals, and the more gentle “Blood from a stone” which has a country feel to it, but still packing a punch. Preacher Stone obviously have a sense a humor that is brought to the fore in the gloriously titled “Old fashioned ass whooping sum bitch”, and “Tractor pull”, which were quite possibly written with tongue firmly in cheek. Preacher Stone Debut Album Review Rock Realms Review by Jon Wilde www.rockrealms.com (Europe) I have to say, North Carolina rockers Preacher Stone have really taken me by surprise with this album. Judging from the uninteresting album cover, and the fact the band have only existed for a year, I wasn't expecting anything from this eponymous debut. How wrong I was! The band - Ronnie Riddle on vocals, Marty Hill and Benny Huntton on guitar, Josh Sanders on bass, and Brent Enman on drums - was formed by former members of Phantom Park and Riddle. They play (in their own words) a collection of foot-stompin', guitar-slingin', tellin'-it-like-it-is songs about real life. One of the first things that hits you is just how good the lyrics are. These guys have either lived every last second of everything they sing about, or they've got bloody vivid imaginations. There's a brutal honesty to the words, and a real sense of campfire intrigue to the stories. Although the musicianship and performances are excellent, they almost don't matter. It's the details that come from the man's mouth that carries this album along. It's like listening to your favourite book in a style that makes it even more enthralling. The sound is a cool take on Southern U.S. rock 'n' roll with the usual slide guitar and harmonica. Think along the lines of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bad Company mixed more modern acts like Black Stone Cherry and Nickelback and you'll have the right idea. Although, as said, the lyrics are the big selling point of this album, there's no doubt these boys can play! Opening track 'Not Today' eases the album in without much drama. It ticks along with panache, although I really hope this is one of the stories that comes from the mind and not the real world... 'Livin` Proof' is an excellent song with an instant classic vibe. If you love American rock from 30 years ago this is about as good as it gets these days. Then, 'Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin' Sum Bitch' comes along and makes it look staid. It's a bona fide shivers-down-the-spine monster of a song that deserves to be put on every karaoke machine across the entire world. If a song with better lyrics has been released this year I either haven't heard it or have already forgotten it exists. 'That's Just the Whiskey Talkin'' is a groovy number with another massive sing along chorus. Man, I want to see these guys live, it would be a riot! 'Brother's Keeper' is a decent harder rocking track - maybe not up to the standard of the album's best but not a country mile behind. 'Blood From a Stone' is a slower track, again a few rungs below the top end. It's another song with that beautiful retro vibe - modern production - but a complete and understandable disregard for contemporary song construction techniques. 'Tractor Pull' is very silly, in a good way. The start sounds momentarily like Slippery When Wet era Bon Jovi, and the main body of the track has numerous 1980's influences. It's a hard rocker with suspiciously naughty lyrics, and it's the sort of thing Motley Crue may have played if they'd come from the Mississippi Delta. 'Homegrown Hoedown' is, as the title suggests, built purely for parties in barns full of straw and paint-stripping homebrew. It's practically illegal to hear the track without a pint of something alcoholic in your hands. As the man says, "What happens on the farm stays on the farm." 'Southern Hospitality' is pleasant chilled track with a strong Nickelback feel propping up Ronnie's singing. Final track 'Mother to Bed' goes all heavy again with a subtle nod to Van Halen. It closes the album on a real high. There you go: cr*p album cover, brilliant contents. I suspect not everyone is going to dig this style of music, and it did take me a few listens to really appreciate it...but it's worth the effort. Preacher Stone have come from nowhere. If they keep pumping out music like this they certainly won't need to go back there. Consider me converted! Check out... All of it. Pure Southern Rock review by Keith Stefanec 11-22-09 www.puresouthernrock.com Preacher Stone - Preacher Stone Throughout my time as a devoted Southern Rock enthusiast, I have had a plethora of albums spin their way through my turntables and CD players. (I won't even mention the 8-track player I got for my 5th birthday 'cause that will most definitely date me from way back!) Out of all the rock, blues, country, and jazz albums I've heard, there are always those albums that scream Southern Rock! From the feel of the music, the themes of the songs, even to the “look” of the cover, Southern rock leaves an unmistakable mark. The new CD from Preacher Stone is one of those albums. These boys from North Carolina have taken the roots of Southern rock and brought into the modern era to give us one powerhouse CD. Ronnie Riddle, lead vocalist and lyricist, has the unique ability to tell a story with a sense of authenticity and credibility. With a voice that sounds soaked with attitude and Old No. 7, Ronnie shines on “Not Today”, “Old Fashioned Ass Whoopin' Sum Bitch”, “That's Just the Whiskey Talkin'”, and “Southern Hospitality.” The guitar work by Marty Hill and Benny Huntt is outstanding! Between the tasty dual leads and straight-ahead in your face leads, this dynamic duo rocks like Southern boys should. Southern justice, kickin' ass, and drinkin' whiskey is just a slice of what this band is all about. When its time to get introspective, check out “Brother's Keeper” and “Blood from a Stone” for the impressive Hammond B-3 sounds from keyboardist Duke Rivers. The band slows it down to ask the age-old questions that have plagued man for ages. Every song on this album has a hook and reason for being there. Nothing seems throw-away or rushed. This is an album you will listen to all the way through. The production of this album is outstanding and sounds more like something I would expect from a band signed to a major label. If this is just the beginning of Preacher Stone, I can't wait to hear what comes next! These guys are living proof that Southern rock is still alive and well. ALL SOUTHERN ROCK PREACHER STONE ALBUM www.allsouthernrock.com Preacher Stone are beyond doubt a new powerful emerging entity, who are setting breath taking and exciting new standards at the cutting edge of Southern Rock. I listened to the latest Preacher Stone album on ASR on Saturday 10th October 2009 this is what I thought:- Preacher Stone are beyond doubt a new powerful emerging entity, who are setting breath taking and exciting new standards at the cutting edge of Southern Rock, yes for me, Preacher Stone are indeed a power house of smoldering revelation, in that they are bringing us new depth, mood, style and diversity with their own very special and unique dark and brooding brand of hybrid Southern Rock, which is clearly taking the Southern States by storm today. Preacher Stone will no doubt continue to rage and take us all shouting and screaming their praises well into the 21st century! The bands musicianship is breath takingly awesome and the lead guitar work is simply world class, the song ideas and concepts are indeed very very well thought through, exceedingly intelligent and well arranged. The band also bring us a modern, suppressed, and powerfully constrained lead vocal, enriched with absolutely superb lyrics, these words have profound concepts, depth, and meaning. Above all like all top quality songs they are very instantly recognizable for their profound truths! Preacher Stone demonstrate that they understand life and all its many diverse facets, the band has no doubt known both bright and dark days and have no doubt suffered, they have all thought it through, understanding the albums development concepts and evolution, above all in that they have undoubtly succeeded I am sure way beyond their wildest expectations and certainly achieved that objective. They as a band have clearly worked extremely hard indeed and have done oh so well in every musical aspect, producing a brilliant and extremely well crafted and honed piece of work that above all they should be oh so very very proud of!!!!!!!!!!! The albums sound production, depth and recording quality is awesome and above all perfect in every respect, leading the way and above all setting a new muisc concepts and criteria for 21st century Southern Rock!. An amazing brilliant new album, I simply loved every minute of it! Roland Colerus RoCo MANAGEMENT, Austria PREACHER STONE is Southern Rock, Rock and Blues at its peak! Listening to the songs I am right "In the Heat of the Night"! Some cuts remind me of the '60's, the most fantastic music decade ever. As the Album is a perfect unit, it is impossible for me to distinguish individual characteristics. My absolute favorites are "Not Today" and "Mother To Bed", followed by "Blood From A Stone", "Southern Hospitality" and "That's Just The Whiskey Talkin'"! CowDog Kelly Texas Blues Cafe In my bidness, I have learned to pay attention when music fans speak out. A fan from N. Carolina recently turned me on to a new band from Charlotte called PREACHER STONE. The first song I listened to was “Blood From A Stone” and no sooner than the first lick was delivered, I instinctively said, “Oh hell yea”. Being a Texas boy, I felt a kindred spirit in every tune on the Preacher Stone C.D.. Ronnie Riddle, Marty Hill, Benny Huntt, Glenn Blackburn and Jason Donaldson are top shelf musicians that ooze southern groove. Preacher Stone has demonstrated how 21st century Blues and southern rock should be crafted. Picking up a Preacher Stone C.D. is like opening a new can of “Whoop Ass”....hell yea!" -- Debby Jet Jennings Amps 11 Magazine Together less than a Year with a debut CD ready to release - PREACHER STONE is an unknown entity ready to release to the combined Spit-n-swagger talent into a guitar driven demon that has been termed 'Modern Southern Rock' or 'redneck metal' that's loud live and in your face." Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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