A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC
What wouldBill Monroedo? The liner notes would have us believe that these hicks happened upon someAC/DCrecords, liked what they heard, and learned the songs in tribute to the dead stranger who brought the music of the Young brothers to them. What holds the seemingly cracked concept of bluegrass interpretations of AC/DC's hits together is the utter lack of irony in the singing and playing. By holding true to the spirit of the originals while refashioning them in the high lonesome mode, these fellows deliver a satisfying set of modern hillbilly music. Apparently the members of Hillbilly Dixie are a bit ashamed of this project (their names are not listed in the credits). No need to be embarrassed; while one might be better served by a Flatt and Scruggs record, this enjoyably lightweight release is played and sung with such apparent love of the music that it's hard to grouse about its novelty aspect. Highlights include a heartfelt "You Shook Me All Night Long" and a blistering take on "Have a Drink on Me."--Mike Johnson