Tom Russell scores consistently as both performer and songwriter on this release, which is loaded with inventive lyrics, effusive vocals, and rich, exuberant instrumentation. Best tracks include "Black Pearl," awhich benefits from Fats Kaplin's accordion; "Chocolate Cigarettes," which Russell cowrote with folksinger Sylvia Tyson; and the poignant "Haley's Comet," about the comet-like rise and fall of rock & roll's Bill Haley. In the years following this album's release, Russell has re-recorded many of these songs, and it's easy to see why -- when you've got material this good, it must be pretty tempting to keep taking it off the shelf. ~ Jeff Burger, All Music Guide
Tom Russell (Guitar (Acoustic)), Tom Russell (Guitar), Tom Russell (Vocals), Tom Russell (Producer), Tom Russell (Main Performer), Tom Russell (Performer), Kai Andersen (Engineer), Andrew Hardin (Bass), Andrew Hardin (Guitar), Andrew Hardin (Vocals (Background)), Andrew Hardin (Guitar (12 String)), Andrew Hardin (Producer), Andrew Hardin (6-String Bass), Karl Fats Kaplin (Fiddle), Karl Fats Kaplin (Harmonica), Karl Fats Kaplin (Accordion), Karl Fats Kaplin (Guitar (Steel)), Gunnar Lehne (Percussion), Gunnar Lehne (Producer), Gunnar Lehne (Executive Producer), Magne Ostby (Engineer), Magne Ostby (Assistant Engineer), Tom Skjeklesaether (Producer), Tom Skjeklesaether (Executive Producer), William Troiani (Guitar), Michael Warner (Percussion), Michael Warner (Drums), Michael Warner (Vocals (Background)), Nancy Given (Design), Fats Kaplin (Fiddle), Fats Kaplin (Harmonica), Fats Kaplin (Pedal Steel), Fats Kaplin (Accordion), Mike Warner (Percussion), Mike Warner (Drums), Mike Warner (Vocals (Background)), Niels Juelsgate (Executive Producer), Billy Troiani (Guitar (Bass))
