Black Oak Arkansas – Ain’t Life Grand (1975/2000)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 35:58 minutes | 827 MB | Genre: Southern Rock, Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © RT Industries
After three strong-selling albums in a row, Black Oak Arkansas released Ain’t Life Grand to a somewhat cool response. The successes of the past seemed to have afforded the group better recording accommodations, as this 1975 offering sounds vastly superior to anything that preceded it. The material isn’t improved, but the performances are tighter, and the mixes are punchy and clear. James “Jim Dandy” Mangrum still dominates the proceedings with his snarling vocals; however, the singer’s more annoying ticks are softened a little, making this a very listenable record. Highlights include a decent cover of the Beatles’ “Taxman,” the uplifting closer “Let Life Be Good to You,” and “Keep On,” with its pronounced Grateful Dead shading. Outside of their two near-classics, Raunch ‘N’ Roll Live, and High On the Hog, this just might be the best effort from Mangrum and Black Oak Arkansas.
Tracklist:
01. Black Oak Arkansas – Taxman (03:37)
02. Black Oak Arkansas – Fancy Nancy (03:20)
03. Black Oak Arkansas – Keep On (03:29)
04. Black Oak Arkansas – Good Stuff (03:42)
05. Black Oak Arkansas – Rebel (04:14)
06. Black Oak Arkansas – Back Door Man (02:51)
07. Black Oak Arkansas – Love Can Be Found (03:56)
08. Black Oak Arkansas – Diggin’ For Gold (03:36)
09. Black Oak Arkansas – Cryin’ Shame (03:40)
10. Black Oak Arkansas – Let Life Be Good To You (03:28)
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