My first concern, with the second solo release from former Georgia Satellite lead singer Dan Baird, was the ever so dreadful "sophomore jinx" - the curse that sometimes plagues the greatest bands and artists. After all, how could he top his previous album, 1993's Love Songs For the Impaired? Baird's answer is by recording some of his best work ever in this collection of eleven in your face, guitar driven rock n roll.
"Younger Face", the first track and the first single, leads things off. Dan says that this is "My Neil Young super-riff with lyrics about the fate that awaits anyone who doesn't die young." It's a refreshing return to the rock and roll which America has been missing lately.
This track isn't the only solid song on the album - Buffalo Nickel continues with more scorching rockers like "On My Way", "Cumberland River", and the hilarious "Lil Bit".
"Birthday" is quite different compared to Baird's previous work. This song has potential for alternative radio airplay with its funky bass line and voice box on the vocals. Baird also performs an intense version of Deep Purple's classic, "Hush". Joe South, the song's writer, also contributes background vocals.
Buffalo Nickel reunites Baird with the same lineup as his first solo album: Mauro Magellan on drums, Brendan O'Brien on the lead guitar (who also produces the album, and has worked with Pearl Jam and Matthew Sweet), and Keith Christopher on bass.
Baird's longtime fans will find this disc is well worth the the wait and he is sure to make many new fans with this release. Baird's songs are written about the common man and everyday life, which makes his songs fun to listen to and easy to relate with. This album is sure to generate a long stay in any rock fan's disc player.
