Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Evan Johns and his H-Bombs - Please Mr. Santa Claus
 | Evan Johns has been a fave of mine for a long time. I first noticed his work with a song called "Vacation" and an instro called "Where'd Ya Get That Bruise." He has an edgy guitar approach, nit uncharacteristic of the Austin sound, but enhanced by his more countrified approach and lap steel guitar. This is a fine CD, with one vocal Christmas song, and 8 instros. It does not have all the usual covers, or sleigh bells, or Santa laughs. It does have a bunch of fine instros. A good CD. |
Picks: Merry Christmas Polka, Stuffin' In The Stocking, Snowed In, Telstar, Little Cajun Drummer Boy, Mule Size Yuletide, Cocktails At The Cabin, Santa's Little Helper
Track by Track Review
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
"Here they are again, folks, the group at the very bottom of the list." That is the message of the sample that opens this fast country rompin 'n' stompin' joyous guitar pickin' holiday track. It flies by, and ends in a cacophonous heap of collapse. Very cool Yule instro.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
A mid tempo hokum dancing number, full of cowboy barn dance goodness, and that Evan Johns silliness. Pleasant country Yule times are had within. Good fun.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
Slithering whammified lap steel lead, a plucky walking second guitar, a slow tempo, and a shimmer of delight in the sound. A fine track, a holiday delight for sure. The lead guitar is so intensely choked, that one is reminded of the Reventlos' "Planet Reventlo," if strained through a cherry pie. Country good slow dancin' fun for the holidays.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
Guitar oriented rendition, full bodied, lots of string stretching joy, and solid thumpiness. I suppose this qualifies as a Christmas song if you believe Santa rode the Telstar (actually Telestar) satellite across the December skies, spewing gifts to all the good little astronauts and astronettes. Solid rendition.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
This is so cool, with the country fiddle carrying the melody, and the plunky backtrack. A brilliant bit of holiday cheer. Makes you wanna shout "Cowabunga!" Remarkable!
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
Austin edgy big guitar twang chord opener, a couple of bits borrowed from "Day Tripper," and major whammy lead lines deliver an original holiday assault. The glissandoes are cool. Intense.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
Slow almost "Sleep Walk" song, with a seasonal edge, and a more countrified guitar. Pretty, modern, romantic.
Cowboy Xmas (Instrumental)
Faster paced cowboy Santa instro, with a gaggle of good country twang and fun. Melodic, infectious, and loaded with that wonderful lap steel sound.