For over a decade, Austin, TX, has been a musical hotbed. The LeRoi Brothers won best “roots-rock” band in 1990, bringing sounds of the swamp (“Zombie Rumble”), rockabilly (“Fool in Paradise”), Excello blues (Lazy Lester’s “The Same Thing Could Happen to You”), ballads, and more rockin’ sounds into their blend of Texas rock & roll. This 12-song collection is compiled from The LeRois’ last two New Rose releases (from France), Viva LeRoi (1990) and Rhythm and Booze (1991). Among the seven originals is lead guitarist/vocalist Rick “Casper” Rawls’s “Angeline,” a number that recalls fellow-Texan Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue” (Doug Sahm guests on harmony vocal on this standout track). Rawls and drummer Mike Buck (a founding member of both the LeRois and The Fabulous Thunderbirds) both were on the second Big Guitars from Texas LP (That’s Cool — That’s Trash), so if you’re lookin’ for tough-sounding guitars and real rock & roll, Crown Royale will fit the bill. – Dennis MacDonald
more »