The Rowdy Prairie Dogs are one of those bands you hear and assume they’re from the south.  In fact this bluesy Americana band hail from Madison, Wisconsin, home to several other bands featured in the past on this site.  They say they’re northern boys with a southern heart.  The band consists of Robert J. – Singer/songwriter/guitar/harmonica; Tom Dehlinger – Pedal Steel, Lap steel, Dobro, Mando, guitar; Ron Granberg – Drums; Joe McCloskey – Bass, vocals and Michael Tully – Guitars, vocals. Leaning heavily on Robert J’s voice which sound as if finely marinated in whiskey and smoke, the band has released a killer cd full of great music with all the flavors of Americana on its ingredient list.

Among the standout tracks is the rockin’ opening cut Rebel Domino, probably my favorite tune of the last year and one that gets embedded in your head! Robert J’s defiant piano driven stance on aging, Gracefully is another favorite.  He rants,
I ain’t gonna grow up gracefully……..
I didn’t learn much about humility, I was a poster boy for stupidity,
now looking back, I’m not sure much has changed…

This is mostly upbeat, toe-tappin’ stuff, but they do slow it down a bit on the melancholy but very catchy tune Home Movies. Listening to this well crafted disc however, will certainly leave YOU anything but melancholy. Take my advice. Get rowdy with the Dogs!

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