DESCRIPTION:
Artimus Pyle - Artimus Venomus (2007)
Usually, when a rock drummer steps out from behind the kit to assume the forefront as a solo artist, it means it's time for fans to run for cover. However, this is certainly not the case with ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd timekeeper Artimus Pyle. It's been a cushy 24 years between Pyle's last solo studio set and the arrival of Artimus Venomus -- but the wait has been worth it. In fact, Pyle's 2007 solo set is arguably the strongest and most Skynyrd-sounding of any of the countless albums that the reunited Skynyrd -- and it's various members' solo albums -- have issued in the wake of Street Survivors. With Pyle having penned or co-penned the majority of the songs (and also handling most of the lead vocals, as well), the album is certainly one of the quirkiest Skynyrd-related releases yet, as evidenced by such tracks as "Blood Sucking Weasel Attorneys" (which begins with brief Frank Zappa-esque dialogue) and "Dead Rock Stars' Widows, Gigolos, Pocket Money." But musically, longtime Skynyrd fans will have plenty to sink their teeth into -- it's all lean, mean Southern boogie throughout, especially the Allman Brothers-esque "Brother Walk On By" and the mean blues of the album-opening title track. If you call yourself a Skynyrd fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this surprisingly strong release by one of the wildest characters to ever pass through the Skynyrd ranks.

Tracklisting

1. Artimus Venomous
2. Brother Walk on By
3. Blood Sucking Weasel Attorneys
4. Dead Rock Stars' Widows Gigolos, Pocket Money
5. Spit
6. Can't Get off With Your Shoes On
7. Million Dollar Farm
8. Jerusalem
9. Trust #3
10. Knock Me Down
11. Makes More Rock
12. Anti Venom

Recording information: Abbey Goad Studio, Madison, TN; W274, Franklin, TN.

Photographer: Chris Rucker.

Personnel:

Stevie Ray Anderson, Davidson Wicker, Jamie Dose, Dorsey Parker, Leslie Hawkins Johns, Dixie Weathers, Marshall Pyle, Gregory Crabtree, Eric Crabtree, Bobby Johns, Frank Johns, Misty Weathers, Larry Crabtree, Mike Weathers, Chris Pyle , Allison Heafner, Kelly Fenton, Jeff Farner, Boots Hill, River Pyle, Cheryl Crabtree-Trumpet, Jessica McNally, Hal McCormack, Brian Mabry, Jim Kirby, Dan Shafer , John Boerstler, Mysty Moon, Robert Nyx, Joey Buonocore, Sammy Buonocore, Sr., Sammy Buonocore, Jr., Lee Bogan, Miranda Louise, Adam Wright, Tony Black (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Larry Goad.