The Saddle Tramps Nashville Swinger Vinyl Review

In the early 2000’s I was on Split Seven Records PR list, so I was getting a lot of fantastic Independent Alt. Country/Rockabilly/Psychobilly albums in for review. As a matter of fact, I’d say a great deal of those releases really helped to shape the tastes that I still have in these genres today. One of the CDS I got in turned out to be what I consider to be one of the greatest albums ever released… The Saddle Tramps – Nashville Swinger! The Tramps were/are a Nevada Rockabilly/Alt. Country band that features two vocalists with a serious flair for kicking ass and comic relief. To my knowledge the band didn’t tour much outside of the West Coast, I looked often to see if they were heading South but no such luck. After the Nashville Swinger album, the band went onto release a few more albums, mostly on their own and or through the now defunct CD Baby site. And then the band called it quits save for a few reunion shows here and there. If you have any of the band’s releases, consider yourself lucky, they’re pretty damned rare these days! I still look on eBay for CDS that were show only releases a few times a month. If anyone is holding any, hit me up!
 
Late in 2023, the Tramps announced that they’d be reissuing the Nashville Swinger album on Double LP early in 2024 as a 20-year Anniversary release. I pre-ordered the album almost instantly. I normally don’t do pre-orders, but this was an album that I couldn’t afford to miss! I think I waited a few months, and the record hit my box just as promised – gatefold, poster, sticker and one orange LP and one purple LP to match the cover. The album is numbered to top it off – I got #140 of 250, I was hoping for a lower number, but I can’t complain, just to have it is all that matters.
 
As mentioned previously I’ve reviewed this album before, but that review is long gone, plus we’re talking the LP reissue, so we’ll gladly talk some more trash about it. Nashville Swinger is an unusual favorite for me as it’s a live release. However, I can assure you this is one of the best live recordings you’ll ever hear. The production, mix and sound engineering are amazing! Musically, the band is on fire, they’re all well accomplished players and the songs are ridiculously fun! The banter in between the tracks is fucking hilarious, it’s like going to a comedy show, these guys just rip on each other the whole gig.
 
Let’s talk about the music because that’s the real draw here. I’ve mentioned the comedy factor that plays into the band’s song lyrics. While I’m sure there’s some truth in every track, it’s still damned funny. “The Bulge in Satan’s Pants” is my calling card, this track could’ve been my bio in my younger years… Rockabilly/Alt. Country at breakneck speed and the lyrics, holy shit the lyrics. I’ve lived this one. “Not only did I do old Natalie, but all the girls in her whole family, yes, I’ll FUCK anyone”. Been there, done that, but that’s another story for another time. Next up we have another speedy track that leans heavily into the band’s country flavored influences - “Mexican Hot Rod”. While I find it amusing, there aren’t many of those in my area, but I still get a chuckle when I see an old El Camino with curtains and hundred spoke rims and there’s a Hispanic fella leaned back with a few homies in the bed of the Camino. “How Can I Say I Love You with A Shotgun in My Mouth?” is an all-out Psychobilly rendering about Upright bassist/vocalist John’s “miserable fucking life”. Sounds like he’s had a tough go of it in a few of his marriages. There’s another track here that covers the same subject matter too – “You Put the Cunt in Cuntry”! “White Trash Chicks on Speed” is another killer track with Punkish vibes that finishes off the live section of the album. There are a ton more live tunes that’ll really get you off if you dig this type of music.

There are also few studio tracks on this effort that weren’t released anywhere else to my knowledge – “Female Trouble”, “Susanville” and “After a Sixer”. All these tracks show off the band’s Country influences, and the music is phenomenal – steel guitar licks, big bends/leads and guitar fills that are right out of the Nashville playbook. Side Four of this record is a show the band did in Zurich, Switzerland that had never been heard until now. This side features a few songs that I consider deep cuts - “What Would Jesus Drink”, “Shakin’ in My Boots”, “Fool Again” and “The Money Will Roll In”. The latter two songs feature a Hard Rock/Punk edge that’s a little unusual for the band, but unique in every way. I’d really like to hear studio versions of these tracks.
 
The Saddle Tramps 20^th Anniversary Edition of Nashville features 17 of the most incredible Rockabilly/Psychobilly/Alt. Country tracks that you’ll treat yourself too. I’ve been a rabid fan since I first got the CD in for review all those years ago. I can’t believe it, but this release is still available direct from the band. And you can rest assured the LP will get to you in no time and it’ll be worth every damned dime you spend on it. This is one of those times where the LP reissue doesn't disappoint! While you’re on the site I recommend grabbing the band’s Alabama Chrome EP, it’s still available - that’s another wonderful release from the band too. According to the band’s social media pages they’re back together and looking to release new material soon, which pleases me deeply – this is a band that should’ve never split. The Tramps have been one of my favorite bands since the release of Nashville Swinger and I don’t think that’ll ever change, I’ll consistently look for new efforts from them that I don’t already own. I strongly suggest you have a listen and grab this record quickly. There were only 250 pieces available!!! Once you get the album, I’m sure you’ll find yourself fiending for more Tramps music too and you’ll certainly be hell bound along with the rest of us…

https://www.thesaddletramps.com/merch

~Black Angel