Review / 200 Words Or Less
Dusty Rhodes and The River Band
First You Live

Side One Dummy (2007) Scottie

Dusty Rhodes and The River Band – First You Live cover artwork
Dusty Rhodes and The River Band – First You Live — Side One Dummy, 2007

With an Americana backbone, Dusty Rhodes and The River Band play a type of rock similar to CCR, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and other sixties acts that incorporated a strong folk/country influence into their sound without being gimmicky. Can't place those names? Then imagine Flogging Molly less punk, more rock n' roll, less Irish, earlier 20th century American. Imagine Murder By Death without the macabre subject matter. The vocals have a whiny, early nineties "alternative" sound to them. Sort of like people trying to sound like Axl Rose but failing miserably. A strong disc nonetheless and worth checking out if you're a fan of folk, zydeco, early country, bluegrass and sounds of nature.

7.5 / 10Scottie • November 13, 2007

Dusty Rhodes and The River Band – First You Live cover artwork
Dusty Rhodes and The River Band – First You Live — Side One Dummy, 2007

Related news

Side One Dummy Signs Dusty Rhodes And The River Band

Posted in Labels on September 6, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Kyle Burnett

Glory Days
Syrup Moose Records (2026)

There’s a form of folk punk that treats every song like a drunken campfire confession with all its ragged shouting and romanticized self-destruction. Then there’s the version that feels mature and more reflective. It’s less interested in glorifying collapse and more concerned with figuring out what comes after it. Kyle Burnett’s Glory Days firmly belongs to the latter category. Best … Read more

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more