You can finally put an end to those ridiculous arguments you've been having with that guy at work. You know the one. He's the guy that waits in line for hours on end, just to get a pair of nosebleed tickets for the latest guy with tight jeans and a floppy cowboy hat that calls himself a Country-Western singer. You no longer have to try to explain to him that strobe lights, smoke machines and synthesizers aren't necessary for good music. All you have to do is put on Laidlaw's self-titled album on Yessir Records, select a track (It doesn't matter which one; they're all great) and say "That's what I'm talkin' about!"

Since 1990, Laidlaw has been electrifying fans with their own blend of hard driving, Southern Rock and Roll. Their newest release, "Laidlaw," is no exception. Let me say that there are no rhinestone cowboys in this band. This is Southern Rock, sometimes called "Americana," in the the tradition of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foghat. The music is original, guitar dominated with a solid rhythm section and a front man with a voice than can hold it all together. Laidlaw consists of: Joey Pantera on lead vocals, Craig DeFalco on guitar and vocals, Buzzy James, slide guitar and vocals, Gary Nutt on bass and Darrel Millar on drums. Together, they form a band destined to carry the torch for Southern Rock music. Listen to the lyrics and you'll understand that these guys know how to have fun, overcome hard times and learn from their mistakes. I've already mentioned that all the tunes are great, but I particularly enjoyed "Bag Full Of Pills," "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" and "Fly Away." You can sample these tunes and find out how to purchase this record at their website: www.laid-law.com. You can even show that tone deaf co-worker what a REAL Southern rocker looks like!


--Ray Synkane