The Rockin' Highliners - What Were You Thinking? (1997) [CD Rip]

The Rockin' Highliners start off their CD with two barnburners. First, "Swing Party," a tune for the new swing dance craze that is as good as anything by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Mighty Blue Kings. Interestingly, this is a two-guitar rock combo without the benefit of a horn section. They follow this up with an ominous cover of the Paladins' in the true '60s psychedelic blues spirit. Things turn in the direction of a more pure blues with "That's My Life." This upbeat, jump blues number is followed by the more reflective ballad "Speak." It is easy to see how the group netted their county's Juno nomination for Best Blues Album, but there is certainly much more to the group. This is a rock band close to the tradition of jump blues that also led to the musical philosophy of Aerosmith. Such a danceable, electric blues, proto-rock sound can be heard in "Old Man" on this recording. In this, the Rockin' Highliners are disciples of T-Bone Walker and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. Take a listen to their blistering, fiery "Easy on the Eyes" featuring an additional keyboardist and second vocalist. Just when you think you even have them pinned down on their stylistic intentions, the group throws a greased curve ball like the reverberated surf ditty "Spank." But it all works together on this album, because the "jump" in jump blues is the same "swing" in swing music and both are just effectually mixed separately when the need is for feel-good, body motivating cuts. On this album, the dance party winds down for ride-home music in the form of a blues ballad ("If I Could Be That") and the moderate jump blues finger-snapper "What's The Matter With Your Head." After this, a final rousing number boasts the promise of the next night out in the accelerated "Be Good or Be Gone" originally by Chuck Willis. ~Tom Schulte