Redd Skyy, Naked in Memphis (Independent)

When listening to Redd Skyy, it’s hard not to imagine yourself outdoors, sprawled on a blanket with a freshly cracked Budweiser, while their brand of Southern Rock spills off the stage. Though they won’t place themselves strictly in one genre, the unique mix of musicians and their influences tends to lean more towards Southern Rock, and I think it suits them fine.

Naked in Memphis is this band’s second release, and unlike what their first record, Workin’ on Getin’ There claims them to be doing, it seems like they have arrived. The original trio, Lyman Ellerman (lead guitar, vocals and lyrics), Chuck Werner (rhythm guitar, vocals and lyrics) and Jerry Turley (bass and vocals), has added the likes of “Hoodoo” Jimmy Simpson (keyboards) and Jim “Pana James” George (drums) to round out their sound. Strong hooks, solid lyrics and sweet melodies dominate all twelve tracks. Some of their songs, like “Pontiac,” reflect upon their traveling musician lifestyle, while others tell stories many in their audience will relate to. “Eyes of Seventeen,” makes use of familiar riffs and in it the band reminisces about the past, luring in anyone who dreams of those bygone days when Dylan and Skynard were kings. And, the title track, “Naked in Memphis,” cries out a familiar tale of lost love and highlights the sweet guitar tone heard elsewhere on this album.

It’s obvious Redd Skyy loves what they are doing, because in only a year and a half they’ve managed to create a lighter-worthy second album of original and enthusiastic music.