The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies – Magnolia
“Backwoods Traveling” MP3
“You Are” MP3
The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies were a band that was yet another sadly over looked but well kept secret of the Southern music scene. Hailing from Nashville, TN, The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies first hit the scene in ’94 with their self titled debut album. Their sound was very eclectic and they broke the mold as to just what a “southern rock band” should sound like. They made a small commercial splash with their single “This Is The Time” but they managed to pick up a die hard Deadhead like following along the way that followed them from town to town to witness the pure electricity and excitement of an THE SCREAMIN CHEETAH WHEELIES show. The band released their follow up “Magnolia” in 1996 and it was like a well kept secret. My first impression upon listening to this album was how the hell EVERYONE didn’t own and love this album. It covers so many different bases and show’s the bands ability to not just craft a great collection of songs but to play and think outside of the box.
All the usual influences are there that you would expect. The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, etc but the best thing about THE SCREAMIN CHEETAH WHEELIES is that they have such a distinct sound on their own that it’s impossible to say that they sound just like any of those bands. Lead Singer Mike Farris has a voice that is distinct and unique enough to stray away from the pigeonhole comparisons of other singers. His gospel tinged vocals are enough to make you want to jump up and testify while guitarists Bob Watkins and Rick White play independently in their own little worlds all the while meeting in the middle for a guitar sound that beckons back to the Allman Brothers band. The rhythm section of Steve Burgess on bass and Terry Thomas on Drums round out the sound with a mix of subtlety and intensity that compliments the swoops, dives and curves of the music perfectly.
“Magnolia” is literally a blueprint for the perfect album in my opinion. The album opens with the swampy harmonica gospel of “Backwoods Traveling” and then moves right into the gorgeous rolling river sound of “Gypsy Lullaby.” The introspective and reflective “Hello From Venus” utilizes some nice studio work here and is just a song about how you can’t always go back to where it all began and have it be the way it was. Other highlights include “Good Time” which is so bluesy and funky that you just can’t help but tape your foot and the album closer “You Are” which is a great display of the bands ability to not just be a southern band but to be a band that possessed more soul than most if any of their peers.
“Magnolia” is a true testament to just what an amazing band The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies were. They were sadly over looked and while they went on to put out another album after this one before calling it quits, it’s “Magnolia” that is, in my opinion, the band’s timeless classic. Listening to this album now it sounds as exciting and full of life as it did back when it was released. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your collection. It’s an album not to be buried forever.
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