Reverb Deluxe (Sire/Watermelon, 1997)

The Derailers couple Buck Owens' Bakersfield sound with the pop sensibilities of the Beach Boys and the Beatles, delivering a follow-up to their 1996 debut that is freshly original and classically retro. The band 'strump card is an equal reverence for their pop influences and their country heroes.

The Derailers' authentic honky tonk shines on the weary hopefulness of "Pawnshop Wedding Rings," and bitter resignation of "Lover's Lie." The neo/retro blend surfaces on the brilliant hidden cover of Prince's "Raspberry Beret," twanging like the Artist never intended. Also impressive is "Can't Stop a Train," sporting a Rubber Soul hook, but remembering theBeatles' cover of "Act Naturally," and "California Angel," which connectsthe Beach Boys' surf and Owens' twang.

Bassist Ethan Shaw and drummer Terry Kirkendall solidified the rhythmsection, the unshakeable hillbilly foundation upon which Tony Villanuevaand Brian Hofeldt build their roadhouse anthems, and producer Dave Alvinmade sure this didn't get muddy when the colors mixed. The Derailers have all the gear: an inspirational love of the past, the sincerity to mimic the past without parody and the talent to bridge two unique styles across a generation.