Southern Culture on the Skids – Santo Swings (double 7″)

Usually I don’t go in for gimmicky “shtick” bands like this, being opposed to anything that perpetuates the inbred idoit southerner stereotype. I cut these guys slack for two reasons. One, they lay down some of the most rockingest sounds I have ever heard; and two, they obviously love the culture they’re coming from and making fun of.

This release finds S.C.O.T.S. turning up the reverb another couple notches for a hayseed surf party. Of the six tracks on these vinyl bookends, two are previously available. “Viva del Santo” appeared on a previous 7″, and “Camel Walk” is on the Dirt Track Date album, though the version here is definitely different. Another track, “Walleyed”, is essentially an instrumental surf variation of “Whole Lotta Things” from Dirt Track Date.

Two of the tunes are covers. “Double Shot” is an old Swinging Medallions number, and “Scratch My Back” was penned by Slim Harpo. The remaining tune, “Meximelt” is an instrumental homage to a flavorful fast-food menu item. Also included in the set is a super-fun collection of Mexican wrestler cutouts.

While there is almost no new ground covered here, it doesn’t really matter. Singles should be about fun, and these four sides definitely fit that bill.