There is something inherently appealing about Slim Dime and
the Prairie Kings, and that appeal starts with Slim’s voice: it’s sassy, it’s rich
and rolling, and it makes you want to sit up and pay attention. And once you’re
paying attention, you may as well get up and dance, because that’s what the
Prairie Kings’ music makes you want to do.
Yes Sir is an
album of covers and originals, in which Slim and the band both take on songs from and create songs that evoke the pre-rockabilly
era of western swing and rock ’n’ roll. They are perfectly suited to this,
drawing out not only the beats and – yes, let’s say it –the swing of these
tracks but also the darkness in some of the lyrics. Slim’s voice is an
adaptable instrument, and she can bring light and dark into it, as the song
requires.
The most recognisable song on the album, for most people,
will be ‘Cold, Cold Heart’ by Hank Williams, Snr, but the other tracks are just
as worthy of attention because they are
a toe-tappin’ good time. It’s hard to escape the conclusion that Slim Dime and
the Prairie Kings would be a really great party band – they know how to handle
a beat and respect a song, and they have an increasingly large repertoire to
draw on. Luckily all of that is apparent on their recordings, too, so hiring them
for a party isn’t necessary. But they hail from Melbourne, in case anyone is
wondering …
Yes Sir is available from CD Baby.
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