On Refried Dreams, Cheater Slicks dial the distortion down a notch and up the blues quotient considerably — in other words, less garagey than earlier recordings, but still rockin’, still (quasi-) psychedelic. Their take on Lee Hazlewood’s “Think I’m Coming Down,” for instance — a highlight of the set — sounds like a cross between Status Quo’s “Pictures of Matchstick Men” and Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” And it may not be unintentional, as the Slicks certainly know their rock history — their entire discography is a testament to that premise. “Think I’m Coming Down” probably wouldn’t have worked as well on any of their previous releases, but then they’re now sounding more like the Rolling Stones — by way of Royal Trux — than the Scientists (or the Cramps). Refried Dreams is one of their more accomplished efforts and benefits from the tasteful addition of saxophone to some of the songs. – Kathleen C. Fennessy
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