Two Classic Albums from The Amazing Rhythm Aces: Stacked Deck/Too Stuffed to Jump
Substitute grits for glitz, soul for sheen, and wry humor for mythic self-regard, and the Amazing Rhythm Aces could have been theEagles. Though they didn't fly as high commercially, the Aces' blend of rock, country, down-home rhythm & blues, and even gospel continues to satisfy on this combo reissue of the band's first two mid-'70s albums. "Third Rate Romance" remains the Memphis band's signature song and major pop hit, while "The End Is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune)" anticipated the changes in commercial country a couple of decades down the road. Rhythm aside, the key to the band's appeal is frontman Russell Smith, whose songs and singing transcend musical boundaries with amazing grace.--Don McLeese