Rooster Hooch by Junkyard Jane

But Junkyard Jane doesn't stop there - they turn to a smooth, contemplative acoustic ballad about a girl itching to get out of town ("Can't Sit Still"), a sparse song decorated with impressive kazoo solos ("But Honey") and a fast-paced, energetic track about the hijinks of a fighting cock ("The Legend of Beauregard 'Bucky' Muldoon").

Their album is unabashedly forward-looking, always attempting new things to entertain or add whimsy, but never straying too far from their signature uncluttered, unified sound.

-Amanda Lee Anderson

VELOCITY WEEKLY

"Rooster Hooch"

Junkyard Jane

When bands attempt to relocate closer to stardom, Hollywood, New York and Nashville are the most common destinations.

Other than resting and refueling on its way to someplace a little more "Bright Lights, Big City," Junkyard Jane's emigration from Tacoma, Wash., to Louisville, makes little sense, until you hear "Rooster Hooch."

The band's fifth album illustrates an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to songwriting. Junkyard Jane throws country, blues, bluegrass, honky-tonk, Creole and even a smidge of swing into the pot, and what comes out is a hell-raising hayride. There's even some washboard rattling tossed into the mix. And there's not a man, woman or child alive who doesn't love a little washboard.

This is a perfect sound for the booze-swilling weekend hedonists who pack Louisville bars when the sun goes down. So maybe Junkyard Jane will stay a while before heading off to Hollywood, New York, Nashville or wherever stars are born these days.

- Joshua Hammann

LOUISVILLE MUSIC NEWS

Rooster Hooch (Frogimo)

Junkyard Jane

Tearing Down Barriers

Got a question for y'all. What's more redneck than a hammerin' country song about "Going to Kentucky"? Let that idea sink in and give yourself a couple of minutes to ruminate ... I'd say that's a pretty sunburned neck of a song. What enhances that quality is said song performed in a yodel-sing, at which, in all honesty, singer Billy Stoops actually does a bang-up job. Junkyard Jane calls their stuff swampabilly. As I am wont to say, while this music ain't quite my cup of moonshine, the members of Junkyard Jane play and sing like their lives depend on it and fans of this type of music should eat up this fifth JJ CD quicker than steak grilled to perfection.

Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned (my hypocrisy does have its limits), but I am thrilled when a band plays more than one style of music, which JJ does. "But Honey" would be at home in Leon Redbone's hands, which means that while it has a country flavor, it also has swing and blues elements and is beautifully executed. "Can't Sit Still" and "The Legend of Beauregard `Bucky' Muldoon" are ballads featuring melodies that grab your attention and lyrics/stories that grab your heart. If you don't know `Bucky' right now, once you hear the song, you'll feel like you do. That rooster had real personality, I tell ya.

Gusto party songs, too? Damn, you bet! Try "Pony Up," "Stop It," "What Would Jimmy Do?" and the mid-temp and bluesy "Smile on Me." Song with the most reverb? "Mary," including a melody and lyrics we can all relate to.

JJ started in Washington state and relocated to Louisville. I'm sure they're a hoot wherever they go. If swampabilly music tickles yer fancy, wander over yonder to these hard-working and talented folks at www.junkyardjane.com

-David Lilly

EMAIL FROM AWARD WINNING GUITARIST BILLY STAPLETON

It has come to my attention that you guys have cut an extremely fine CD. Finally had a chance to listen to it this week - kept it in the truck and have been listening to and from work.

I absolutely love "Goin' to Kentucky" - the vocal is so very strong and the yodel stuff is just great!! I like the whole thing, especially "Lit up Like the Moon" and "Can't Sit Still".

The sound of the CD is exceptional; you've got a great tone on everything and great players. It's nice and tight and it sounds just like you guys - very individual.

Nice guitar playing by the way, great tone "Tele-boy." I Like "What Would Jimmy Do" and the Cock-a-doodle-doo to "Ghost Riders" is plain genius. Got to run and pound nails for the rest of the day.

-Your pal, Billy Stapleton

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