The Rides are generally described as a “supergroup”; a term that is bandied about somewhat carelessly (in my humble opinion). If a band forms where two or more have already had even the vaguest connection with moderately successful bands, a supergroup is deemed to exist in the midst of them. Me: I want a supergroup to leap tall buildings in a single bound. So, do The Rides deserve the supergroup label?
Look at the . Exhibit one: Stephen Stills, as in Crosby, Stills, Nash (and sometimes Young). I think we can stop there. Case closed. Supergroup exists. Though, since CSN (and sometimes Y) is also classed as a supergroup, does that make The Rides a hypergroup? Second billing goes to Kenny Wayne Shepherd a phenomenally talented blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, who is roughly half the age of Stephen Stills. And completing the bill is Barry Goldberg on keyboards who is roughly the same vintage as Stephen Stills and who brings a wealth of experience and song-writing talent to the table. The Rides are a musical force to be reckoned with.
Their second album is Pierced Arrow and the video at the end of this review shows the level of respect they have for each other and their belief in the band. It also shows (a well placed) belief in the music they are producing. This is a stoater of an album!
The first track, “Kick Out Of It”, grabs you from the opening riff. The vocals sound lived in and an old-style boogie blues piano is working away in the background. And, at just the right moment, a guitar solo delivers a killer kick! Brilliant!
The dominant style of the album is the Blues (with a capital “B”) but the three riders of this particular blues apocalypse each bring their own experience and skill set to the party. The result is an album that takes in old-style rock n’ roll, smooth soul and a touch of country rock. The next three songs illustrate this glorious mix of genres. “Riva Diva” has a guitar intro that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Chuck Berry track. The piano trades licks with the guitar and some soul diva backing vocals are thrown in for good measure. Song three is “Virtual World” (for which there is a really interesting lyrics video). It is a very CSN style track but it is lifted from being a pastiche thanks to the contributions of Shepherd and Goldberg. Track four is “By My Side” which features an acoustic guitar riff, beautiful vocals and some outstanding harmonies. It has a style that somehow manages to be both laid back and intense.
A few other highlights for me are: the Goffin and Goldberg penned “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” (smooth and soulful); “Game On” (Stomping!) and “I Need Your Lovin'” (rock n’ roll with a call and response chorus that will be great fun live). The last track is “My Babe”: a Willie Dixon cover that is a fun way to close the album.
So, do they deserve the title “supergroup”? Absolutely! Not only does the band seem capable of leaping tall buildings but they have produced an album that is more powerful than a locomotive. Superbly super!
