Mink Jaguar - Mink Jaguar

Mink Jaguar - Mink Jaguar

FLAC - Covers are included

tracklisting: see tray

It's hard to pigeonhole Mink Jaguar - and that's half their secret. They summon up all sorts of spirits from influences like Chuck Berry, the Sun label bands, the Cramps and any number of country rockers like Wanda Jackson. The other thing you need to know if they're all terrific players, with drummer Joel Ellis nailing the beat to a street corner where swing meets power (cock an ear to Hank Williams' "Window Shopping" or the strong-arm patterns on Buck Owens' "Rhythm or Booze" for proof). He's a powerhouse. His brother Ariel lays down the basslines that colour and fuel these tracks. Singer-guitarist Billy Quan provides the melodies and six-string strum and holds a tune in that classic journeyman style.
That these are simple tunes to hold and appreciate - it's no drawback on either score. Just under half the 15 are covers, but don't let that be a deterrent. Most are obscure enough for the Minks to assert ownership without the landlord noticing. And here's where the Cramps connection cuts in: the Minks are equally passionate about their '50s rockabilly and choose their covers well. From the visceral take on Mr Berry's chestnut "Let It Rock" to the killer chorus of "Hotter Than Mojave" (bet it would be a hit in Nashville, but I'm not sure Dement Iris sang it like this), these are songs played economically and with a rock sensibility that would melt their Mums and Dads' old vinyl collection (from where many were undoubtedly culled).

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=06SCGH62

MANY thanx to LIMBURG for this brilliant first contribution. I hope there will be many more....

If you wanna check out MINK JAGUAR's second release:

http://devilsrumble.blogspot.com/2009/07/mink-jaguar.html