[New Release] STRAY CATS

STRAY CATS

“40”

Label: Surfdog/BMG
Genre: Rock

After 26 years, the Stray Cats are back with a new album. And the seasoned felines are in mostly fine form.

The boys who brought rockabilly back into the mainstream in the 1980s haven’t lost a spare snare. The simple, elegant rhythm section of drummer Slim Jim Phantom and bassist Lee Rocker remains, providing a solid foundation for guitarist-singer Brian Setzer. Setzer’s guitar still shimmies and sways and the voice is still there - though understandably a little huskier as time marches on.

No doubt, they’ve got the throwback sound down on “40,” named to celebrate their anniversary. Fans looking for a good time will find it, including on the lead-off “Cat Fight (Over A Dog Like Me).” Like the Cats classic “Rock This Town,” there’s dancing, drinking and fighting. Well, this time it’s mostly fighting - two women tussling over the affections of the narrator, the aforementioned “dog like me.” The music rocks so joyously, you can deal with the tomcat-foolery.

Bottom line? The Stray Cats can slink down the alley any way they choose. And this collection shows they’ve still got some life (lives?) left. AP