LYNYRD SKYNYRD – Last Of A Dyin’ Breed (2012)

*

Anytime LYNYRD SKYNYRD comes out with a new CD, infrequently as that maybe, the reaction is almost universally the same: They’re not as good as the original seventies line-up.

But that doesn’t mean Skynyrd’s second incarnation can’t rock. In fact, to my ears, their brand new album “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” is one of the best in their career.

The best description of Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” is: Solid Rock. Though, as with most things, it has its highs and lows. But this band is pure Classic Rock, and rocks good.

Every song on this CD stands alone, from the opening riff to the closing note. As on their previous album there’s some country-rock lines to be found on a few tracks, but essentially – as we all know – Skynyrd is Southern Rock with an American Hard Rockin’ vibe all over.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has also reinlisted the guitar army harmonies that made their sound so distinct when they first burst on the scene, and now they have incorporated a heavier edge that fits all too perfectly – even though no one thought it would have.

Possibly contributing to this harder sound is the fact that they collaborated again with unlikely suspect John 5 provinding some of his crazy licks.

It’s been about 34 years since Ronnie Van Zant’s passing in an airplane crash, and younger brother Johnny has proven himself to be a solid frontman since that time.

The technical ability of Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, and Mark Matejka, new bassist Johnny Colt, killer drummer Michael Cartellone (ex- Damn Yankees) and keyboardist Peter Pisarcyzk is not up for debate.

These are musicians who still provide ‘wow’ moments on “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed”. Something that not many can achieve these days.

It Rocks.

01 – Last Of A Dyin’ Breed

02 – One Day At A Time

03 – Homegrown

04 – Ready To Fly

05 – Mississippi Blood

06 – Good Teacher

07 – Something To Live For

08 – Life’s Twisted

09 – Nothing Comes Easy

10 – Honey Hole

11 – Start Livin’ Life Again

Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals

Gary Rossington – guitars

Rickey Medlocke – guitars

Michael Cartellone – drums

Mark Matejka – guitars

Peter Pisarcyzk – keyboards

Johnny Colt – bass

John Lowery aka “John 5” – Additional Guitar

Pre-Order here:

itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/last-of-a-dyin-breed/id539571109