Southern Rockers

It's been far too long since we've heard from Donnie and Dennis Winters, but at the risk of sounding like a cliché, it was worth the wait. This all-new release from two of Southern rock's long-lost sons has as much rocking energy and red-hot guitar as their '70s recordings. From the opener, "Country Boy Rock & Roller," to the blistering guitar riffs of "Full Moon Rider," it's obvious that the Winters have returned with a vengeance. The funky "Tasty" makes you think the South is indeed about to rise again, at least in the world of rock & roll. "Family Curse" rocks with a Georgia Satellites-meets-ZZ Top vibe, and "What Kind of Lover" has a real Top 40 feel. While each of the eight new studio cuts are great, there's just something special about the tracks that follow. These were recorded live in Nashville in November 1999, and they sound fabulous. The set starts off with the Winters' classic "Sang Her Love Songs" and goes into a medley of greats that include "Misty Mountain Morning," "Smoky Mountain Log Cabin Jones," and "I Can't Help It." It's a Southern-rock revival of major proportions, to be sure. During the '70s, the Winters Brothers Band toured with everyone from Charlie Daniels to the Marshall Tucker Band, and everyone in between. As we plunge into the 21st century, it looks as though they're ready to take the buffalo by the horns once again. ~ Michael B. Smith, Rovi