2012 Album Roundup; The Sheepdogs

November is here. Aside from Remembrance Day, Black Friday, colder weather, and American Thanksgiving what that means is the years album round up begins. Often around this time of the year, nearing closer to Christmas and New Years, I reflect on what I’ve been listening to in the last 10-12 months.

At this time I can think of about twelve albums that have really stood out in 2012. Being that there are 8 more Tuesdays until 2013, I’m sure I will find at least another couple albums to call 2012 favorites.

Here is my countdown to 2013, in music form, my favorite albums from 2012; Album Roundup

Starting with, The Sheepdogs.

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The Sheepdogs - {self titled album}

Released: September 4th, 2012

I have had the pleasure of seeing The Sheepdogs at Bonnaroo in 2011, Lollapalooza in 2012, and will be seeing them in Ottawa next week. In honor of such, I think it appropriate for them to start off my Album Roundup.

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you the workings of four  astounding boogie rockers, you damn well sit up and listen.

Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved. Until now. Now, more than ever, the music world will have a difficult time ignoring the Sheepdogs.

Produced by Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, the Sheepdogs have recently released their latest [self titled] studio album. The album itself takes you back in time. Back to “the good ol days”. It is reminiscent of an era where music was a way of breathing. The people were high on just about everything. Lovers and friends would congregate in peace parties to share the love of lyric and sound.

The Sheepdogs take you on trip. While their sounds resembles that of CCR, Lynard Skynard, or the Allman Brothers, the Sheepdogs are still able to find room for originality. Their Sheepdogs own flavor adds to their thick, rock n’ roll stew.

The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.

The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.

After paying their dues, this band deserves the celebration they will no doubt receive for this album. The Sheepdogs have adeptly created a sound piece of music.