Gear Daddies - Billy's Live Bait (1990)

The Gear Daddies lived up to the promise they showed on Let's Go Scare Al with the sometimes poignant and often humorous Billy's Live Bait. Though their sound was slightly harder and they were more inclined to rock out, they still thrived on a melodic, jangly guitar approach that was deeply indebted to the Byrds' folk-rock as well as to country. Those who enjoyed Al found that on world-weary offerings like "Wear Your Crown," "Stupid Boy," and "Goodbye Marie," the Daddies hadn't lost their impressive songwriting skills. They clearly learned their country lessons well -- their outlook isn't terribly sunny or optimistic, but like so many country artists, they manage to smile and laugh despite all of life's disappointments. Regrettably, neither Al nor Billy's Live Bait received the type of recognition they deserved.