D. Charles Speer & The Helix

Singer-guitarist Dave Shuford possesses a deep, woodsy baritone and the confident intonation of a master storyteller. In a world populated by meh-rate bar bands, Shuford and his crack quartet are our best saloon band. What makes the group's getting-by-in-hard-times boogie rock so commanding is that many of the players perform with veteran experimental combos: Shuford and bassist Jason Meagher-who's responsible for the production, polished but not slick-are from the No Neck Blues Band and Coach Fingers, while guitarist Marc Orleans is in Sunburned Hand of Man.

What makes the group's getting-by-in-hard-times boogie rock so commanding is that many of the players perform with veteran experimental combos: Shuford and bassist Jason Meagher-who's responsible for the production, polished but not slick-are from the No Neck Blues Band and Coach Fingers, while guitarist Marc Orleans is in Sunburned Hand of Man. So when these freewheeling bandits hit full gallop-Hans Chew's rollicking piano is key-you'll notice psychedelic fires backlighting the songs. And you won't think this is anybody's side project.