Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour - Friendlytown

Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour — Friendly Town

Not many people start new bands in their 80s, but legendary guitarist, producer, and songwriter Steve Cropper isn't slowing down any time soon. The triple-threat musician was recently nominated for his first solo Grammy for the debut from his tight and tuneful rock n' soul quintet, Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour.

Cropper has wasted no time in following up this success with the sophomore album, Friendlytown, out on Mascot Label Group/Provogue. Always pushing ahead and never repeating himself, Cropper has brought in the talents of Billy F. Gibbons from ZZ Top to play on the record. Also stopping by Friendlytown is Queen guitarist extraordinaire Brian May, and country-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Tim Montana who has balanced a successful solo career with high-profile collaborations with Gibbons and Kid Rock.

"If your booty is not shaking in the first two bars of this album you're already dead in a chair," laughs Cropper. "I feel so good about this batch of songs. They're packed with radio hooks, and we have Billy Gibbons, Brian May, and Tim Montana playing on the album — it's like guitar heaven."

Check out the album's first single, "Too Much Stress" featuring Brian May. This groovy mid-tempo number features gospel-style backing vocals and a trifecta of the baddest rock guitar players. Brian May sings the duet vocal together with Roger C. Reale and the backing vocals while May and Gibbons trade back-to-back solos. The Queen's axeman's trademark snarling tone and lyrical licks perfectly complement Gibbons' searing blues-based style, with Cropper holding it all down with some signature slinky rhythm guitar work.

 

Side A

1. Friendlytown

2. Too Much Stress (feat. Brian May)

3. Hurry Up Sundown

4. Let's Get Started

5. Talkin' Bout Politics

6. I'll Take Tomorrow

7. Lay It on Down

Side B

1. You Can't Refuse (feat. Tim Montana)

2. Rain on My Parade

3. There's Always a Catch

4. In God We Trust

5. Reality Check

6. I Leave You in Peace

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