What Was I Thinkin'? (Klow, 2002)

Old musicians never retire, they just form newer and more obscure bands and soldier on. The veterans of Lexington, Ky.'s Deadnecks are creating a new roots-rock legacy on their second album.

With prior membership in diverse groups like New Grass Revival, Pure Prairie League, Freedom Of Expression, and Velvet Elvis, the core quartet of Deadnecks (Skip Bethune, Curtis Burch, Jeff Yurkowski and Matt Presby) have settled into a comfortable country rock groove that balances their considerable musical experience. Extra help is provided this time around from Billy Block, Lorne Rall and Mike Daly, whose list of collective credits is also impressive.

Bethune has an aw-shucks quality to his voice that suits the songs here, from the gently bouncy, "Jack, George, Early and Jim," to the more upbeat fare like the title track. Atop the full, yet understated accompaniment of the rest of the band, it is as unassuming and matter-of-fact perfect as the rest of this captivating album. (Klow, 3900 Boston Road, Lexington, KY 40514-1501)