Fans of the Stray Cats, Rev. Horton Heat, The W's, This Train, or Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sit up and take notice. There's another rockabilly Christian swing band for your toe-tapping pleasure--Ruby Joe. The band was formed on Huntington Beach pier, in Ruby's diner in 1997 because of their common love for true rock and roll--50's style.
Hot Rod Deluxe is the band's second release. The songs feature all the usual rockabilly lyrics with some praise songs tossed in. Musically, the album is well-done with solid production behind it. However, while Ruby Joe will have you dancing around the jukebox, they lack the catchiness of some of The W's songs or the humor of This Train. Still, it's a fun album.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by Joel ThomasI'm trying really hard to figure out how I want to start this review. Let's just say that Hot Rod Deluxe, the sophomore album from Ruby Joe, is a hybrid between the fun, danceable sounds of rockabilly, and strong Christian lyrics (though some of the songs are about love and family, as well). Usually, a band's sophomore record is a bit weaker than their debut; however, I find Hot Rod Deluxe much…Similar sounding releases
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