There are some who would call a twenty year old Buick a "Classic".  Based on that theory, what would you call a band that's known as the "BUICKS" that have been together for twenty years?  Well, give a listen to their self titled disc called "THE BUICKS" and you'll be calling them a "Classic" as well. 

 

    The band that the Philadelphia Inquirer called "the best rhythm and blues act in the region" prides themselves on playing a mix of blues, soul, funk and rock and "THE BUICKS" contains twelve very hot tracks - of which ten are originals - to attest to that.

 

    The opening track, one of the originals titled "TWO BARE HANDS", immediately impressed me.  The vocals and background vocals were right on and every member in the band was featured in this hot and funky number.  The lyrics are all about what one person has done with his two bare hands, and it's a lot.  However, the one thing he didn't do with just his two bare hands is put this excellent project together.  That took lots of help.   

 

    The motor that makes up these classic BUICKS consists of: JOE BORGHI on rhythm guitars and backup vocals; MIKE REINIG on saxophone, lead and backup vocals; LARRY SPURRIER on drums and percussion; RON BOGDON on bass; JAY LA BOY on lead guitar, lead and backup vocals; GUY STASIK on lead vocals and harmonica.  Other optional parts include: JOE LA SORTE on rhythm and lead guitar; OSCAR on accordion; GLEN BICKEL on Hammond B3 Organ; ANTHONY KING, KIM KING and LORIE PANNULA on backup vocals.

 

    "STAYIN IN TONIGHT", another original, is one of those slow, soft, sexy ballads.  You know, the kinda track that jams a usually underused dance floor.  With the two main ingredients in a song of this type being smooth, soulful vocals and slow, sultry saxophone, GUY and MIKE nail their parts.  On this one even the lyrics are sexy.  Grab your lady, set the stereo on replay and .......................

 

    On any given night, in any given venue, any given band will ultimately get around to saying "THE MORE YOU DRINK (THE BETTER WE SOUND)".  Well, the BUICKS took that theory to the next level and actually made a song out of it - a hilarious song at that.  In spite of a rockin' rhythm section, sharp harp playing and some hot lead guitar licks, the lyrics highlight this one.  The song takes an unhappy listener of an absolutely horrible band on an alcohol fueled journey that starts with him booing the band and ends with him joining the band. 

 

    Got Funk?  "WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND" is full of it.  This hot number will have you "pickin' up the pieces" on the dance floor as flashbacks of the Average White Band have your body writhing uncontrollably.  No need to pass out any individual praise here - everyone is tightly in the pocket.

 

    There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that"CATCH MY BREATH" would put a big smile on Chuck Berry's face.  This hot rockin' number, very reminiscent of his style, is quite appropriately named.  After recording this one, I'm sure the whole band needed to catch their breath.  The BUICKS were in passing gear on this all out high speed jam. 

 

    I highly recommend you jump into your Skylark, Electra, LeSabre or whatever it is you drive and cruise on down to your local record store for a copy of "THE BUICKS".  Or better yet, go to www.thebuicks.com and tell them "Blewzzman said this disc rocks and I'm here to buy one".