For twenty-plus years, Al Anderson was the guitarist in critics-darlings NRBQ. Though no longer a member of that band, Anderson has returned for occasional reunion projects and shows. But his focus these days is on his own band his first since leaving NRBQ, The World Famous Headliners. The wryly-named group isn t filled with household names, but it does feature Nashville-based players with impressive résumés. Multi-instrumentalist Shawn Camp, guitarist Pat McLaughlin, bassist Michael Rhodes and drummer Greg Morrow all have well-deserved reputations in the music business mostly (though not exclusively) within the country idiom. But the music on the group s self-titled debut leans toward rock roll with a c&w; bent. There s a loose and smirky feel to the songs. To wit: the vocalized backing on Give Your Love to Me is the sound of a bunch of guys who wanted a horn section but couldn t round up the cash to rent one. Anderson s expressive guitar work is all over the record, but it feels more like a band effort than a guitar showcase. Mamarita feels like Los Lobos, and the stacked lead vocal harmonies on Can I and Heart of Gold are absolutely ear candy. --Musoscribe