2015 – SOCAN
By Phillip Smith; Feb 13, 2016
Mr. Rick
(aka Rick Zolkower) cleverly walks
the line between sin and salvation in his latest release, Mr. Rick Sings About God + Booze. This album presents a wonderful and nostalgic
slice of Americana in thirteen delightful tracks. Following in the footsteps of many of the
earlier Grand Ole Opry performers, Mr.
Rick can dole out a traditional gospel song as convincingly as he can sing
out a hell-bent on self-destruction ditty. His style of playing guitar is a pleasure to
hear as well.
Each song can pretty much be categorized
as either a ‘God’ song, or a ‘Booze’ song, and it’s so much fun to listen to
them as they intertwine. The transition
from “It’s the Bottle Talking”, an ode to over-indulgence, effortlessly segues
into a swinging cover of Blind Willie
Johnson’s 1930 gospel song, “You’ll Need Somebody on Your Bond” about making
ones way into heaven. I can’t help but
sing along to “I’ll Fly Away”, supposedly the most recorded gospel song of all
time and Sister Rosetta Tharp’s bluesy
classic “Two Little Fishes”.
For an upbeat take on Eric Von Shmidt’s “Champagne Don’t Hurt
Me”, Mr. Rick is joined by Drew Jurecka on fiddle, making this one
such a big pleasure to hear. Another
favorite, Jerrey Irby’s “Drivin’
Nails in My Coffin”, has an uncanny knack for diggin’ right into my brain, only
to become hopelessly stuck in my head. For the record, this is one I don’t mind
bouncing around my skull.
Who knew music about God and
booze would be such a fantastic pairing?
Like sweet and salty, it just works, and it works splendidly. Give this album a listen, and let Mr. Rick
take you out on Saturday night and bring you to church the next day.
