Limes - Rhinestone River

2010 debut album from this Memphis outfit. Memphis is home to several of rock's most endearingly off-kilter rock storytellers, from Jim Dickinson to Jeffrey Evans to Ross Johnson. To that list, one can now add Shawn Cripps, leader of the Limes. On Rhinestone River, Cripps retains the musical talents of Harlan T. Bobo, who previously helped on the Limes' 'Rock 'n' Roll Heart' single. Bobo's hypnotic keyboards perfectly complement Cripps's gritty guitar work and vocals, particularly on "Sounds Like a Shimmy." Rhinestone River also features contributions by Memphis scene stalwarts Ross Johnson, Paul Buchignani (Afghan Whigs, Bobo's backing band), Alicja Trout (Lost Sounds, River City Tan lines) and Bruce Saltmarsh ('68 Comeback, Porch Ghouls).