Chimpomatic

Kings Of Leon

Youth And Young Manhood

3 brothers and a cousin - sons of a preacher man (Leon) who spent their formative years living in the back of a car as Leon spread the word of the Lord around the southern states - or so the story goes.... whether the story goes true or not is of minor importance - what is of major importance is that this is a great great rock and roll album, as if the Strokes stole the White Stripes instruments and took a road trip down to Dazed and Confused (film, not style mag). This is a record of good times and wanting to do what you want to do, wanting to get loaded.

It kicks off with Red Morning Light - a perfect singalong tune, in that the lyrics are hell catchy yet completely indecipherable. The album continues in the same vein throughout as Caleb (Followill - vocals/guitars) screams and yelps his way across tight and crisp seventies riffs - with some sweet licks for axe fanatics. Standout tracks (that is: really fucking good) have to be: Joeís Head, California Waiting and Mollyís Chamber - about some accommodating gal, whoíll take your voice and leave you howling at the moon. Amen. Maybe the power behind this record comes from a Samson style rock 'n' roll strength emanating from four sets of very big hair. Watch the streets this summer, as Fashionistas hurry to grow huge head and facial hair combos. Thank god such cuts canít be ordered on demand - or weíd surely have a wave of stylish casualties in this heatwave, passed out from exhaustion under a Nashville Thatch.

Dream scenario aside, this is a rocking good album, which will sound as fresh in a decade as it would have done 30 years ago. Kings of Leon thank God on their liner notes, I'd like to thank Him too - if He keeps inspiring 40 minutes of sounds like this, then the fight is well and truly on for the best tunes. Watch your back Satan!!!!

Alternatively:
Crazed drummer Animal emerges from years of therapy - folowing the success and excess of the Muppets - to produce a Lynyrd Skynyrd tinged masterpiece.