Alone Again (Digitally)

From his about to be released (November 14th) new album, please enjoy long time musical hero of mine Steve Boyd (with his band The Loners) and his thought-provoking and melodically insinuating "When the West Was Won."

I'm not kidding about that hero thing; as attentive readers are doubtless aware, Boyd was/is the once-and-future(?) bass player of the incredible White Animals...

...a Nashville band who absolutely ruled the college alt-rock/frat party scene down South in the 80s, and who made amazing albums that -- for reasons that remain mysterious -- somehow never garnered them the national attention they so richly deserved. I've written about them on numerous occasions over the years, so rather than rehash the details I'll simply direct you to this pertinent LINK; let me just say, however, that the Animals -- for whom Boyd was one of two principal songwriters -- were one of the most astounding live acts of their day, and that any band who stared the stage with them (and I know this from personal experience) did so at their peril.

In any event, King of the Loners -- which leans more towards Americana and classic rock than the pop/punk/dub reggae fusion pioneered by the Animals -- features thirteen fab new songs exploring the themes of personal freedon, loss resilience and reinvention. Adding to the fun, the great Will Kimbrough, of Bis-Quits fame, also contibutes characteristically memorable guitar stuff on a couple of songs, which is otherwise essentially a one-man show.

I should add that if you happen to be in Nashville this coming Saturday (Nov. 8), you won't, alas, be able to see Boyd with the Animals at their sold out farewell show at the legendary Exit/In. But I'll be there -- in spirit -- and I'll tell the guys hello for you. 😎

I should also add that the album will be available on iTunes, Spotify, and all other major streaming platforms, so get over there pronto starting a week from Friday!!! 😎😎