Released in 1971, "Black Oak Arkansas" is the first album released by the southern rockers. Less immediately known than contemporaries such as The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band has been somewhat ignored by the mainstream rock press, and is mostly unknown to those without a strong liking of Southern rock.
The album opens with the folky "Uncle Elijah". Without a trace of distortion or electric guitar, you'd think the band was a fairly mellow act upon hearing this song. I really like the story-telling nature of Southern rock, and this song fits in nicely with similar songs such as The Ballad of Curtis Loew by Lynyrd Skynyrd. A nice folk song from a band that would get increasingly heavy in the next couple of years. "Memories At The Window" is slightly psychedelic, and was clearly written in the days of flower power. Infamous vocalist Jim Dandy delivers one of his strongest vocals, along with some very poetic and introspective lyrics. I love the peaceful vibe of the song, driven home by nice harmonies and great slide work from guitarist Harvey Jett. A little long in the tooth, but a very good song.
The Hills Of Arkansas is another folk-like song. The band at its hillbilly best, it was supposed written during their sojourn on the run from law enforcement in Arkansas for stealing some musical equipment from their high school. I like the combining of folk elements and psychedelic elements, somewhat similar to the Byrds and their blending of country/folk and psych. A great song. "I Could Love You" finally shows the band getting a little gritty. Based on a grooving guitar riff, the song is pretty squelchy and distorted. Jim Dandy moans about giving some loving in one of the most hoary and gritty tones you've ever heard, a great musical talent. The guitar leads may lack technicality, but sound powerful and white-hot.
The highlight for me comes next. "Hot And Nasty is one of the bigger hits from the band. Bassist Pat Daugherty unleashes a mighty groove of a bass-line. Jim Dandy's lyrics reference his love-making ability and reputation several times, a great example of rock stars boosting their own legends. Very primal and sexual, the band certainly had an element of caveman-like charm. "Singing The Blues" is a fairly basic country-blues song. Besides Dandy's Tom Waits-meets-a garbage disposal vocal styling, the song could really have been performed by any bar band around America, very standard-sounding.
"Lord Have Mercy On My Soul" has one of the coolest introductions of any song I have ever heard. Featuring what seems to be an African-American man, he narrates a story of the battle over his soul between God and Satan. The song itself is a Grand Funk-like rollicking rocker with a solid beat. For some reason Dandy reminds me of Joe Cocker here, albeit a strung out or extremely drunk Joe Cocker. I like the introduction more than the song itself, but a funky and cool song, especially lyrically speaking. "When Electricity Came To Arkansas" is one of the coolest titles in rock history. After a very cool bass/washboard introduction, the song heads into some pretty bluesy territory, with Dandy continuing to play the washboard throughout. The song doesn't contain any lyrics, but with guitars this blistering hot and a damn washboard, who needs vocals. A great tune, one of the heaviest Southern rock songs ever recorded.
"Black Oak Arkansas" is a very good introduction to the band, and is sits at the top of their discography as one of their strongest albums. If you like other Southern rock bands such as Molly Hatchet, 38. Special, and even Lynyrd Skynyrd, you could do a lot worse than this band and this album.
Rating-8/10
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