The debut album by New Orleans roots-rockers Thousand $ Car suggests this is probably one of the best bar bands in that neck of the woods. That said, Big Shot is not groundbreaking and doesn’t hold much of the flavor I’m guessing these guys can emit under less-than-clinical surroundings. It’s easy to imagine these songs being belted in a whiskey bar, and just as easy to wish the disc sounded like that.
Thousand $ Car’s sound, while varied, explores the safer side of roots-rock territory, including the obligatory straight-ahead rockers interspersed with Keith Richards/ZZ Top-influenced guitar solos. An exception is “Eyes Up”, which follows and R&B path behind Peter Holsapple’s ’60s-style organ and some funky guitar. An outsider’s take on people turned on more by brains than beauty, the song features lyrics such as “carry on with your forehead trip,” one of many clever lines that pop up throughout the disc.
On “Security Guard”, a rockabilly shuffle about career choices, guitarist Jake Flack’s distorted vocals provide the live feel the tune warrants. “Ramblin'”, written and sung by drummer John “Honey Boy” Maloney, works as well, but a more imitative feel persists on other tracks. While “Cut Out Romeo” catches the ear at first, it’s so similar musically to Wilco’s “Outtasite (Outta Mind)” it’s distracting.
There’s something to be said for great bar bands — especially if you have the option of catching them in a great bar. But when it comes to making records, most bar bands aren’t memorable enough to see the light of day.