Critic's Choice

North Mississippi Allstars, scheduled for three area gigs this week (a free in-store appearance 4 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Twist & Shout, plus full-sized shows July 20 at the Gothic Theatre and Friday, July 21, at the Fox Theatre), are a different kind of second-generation band; key members Luther...

By Michael Roberts

July 20, 2000

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North Mississippi Allstars, scheduled for three area gigs this week (a free in-store appearance 4 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Twist & Shout, plus full-sized shows July 20 at the Gothic Theatre and Friday, July 21, at the Fox Theatre), are a different kind of second-generation band; key members Luther and Cody Dickinson are the sons of a famous producer (Jim Dickinson), not a famous musician. But whereas their dad is best known for working with acts such as the Replacements and Beck, guitarist Luther and drummer Cody, assisted by bassist Chris Chew, do the roots-blues thang on Shake Hands With Shorty, their debut for Bostons Tone-Cool imprint. While theyre clearly influenced by modern blues primitives such as R.L. Burnside -- two of Burnsides sons, Cedric and Garry, guest on the disc -- they arent nearly that down and dirty. Their singing is on par with yours and mine (in my case, at least, thats not a compliment), and on the wanky All Night Long,: Luthers soloing is more reminiscent of Trey Anastasios on a bland day than Howlin Wolfs on a happenin one. However, tracks such as Shake em on Down,: Skinny Woman: and Drinkin Muddy Water: are pleasantly gritty, and the boys enthusiasm usually makes up for a certain lack of authenticity. In the end, Shortys a pretty decent argument for nepotism. Relatively speaking, that is.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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