Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks

Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks

ASIN: B000005D9W

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Dan Hicks, "the Walkin' One and Only," offered a distinct alternative to the turbulent rock scene in the late '60s and early '70s. With his drummerless, violin-driven Hot Licks, Hicks created hip, jazzy, and sophisticated music that found its roots a lot further back than the '50s. The band was in fact modeled on gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt's 1930s quintet, and buttressed by a pair of female vocalists, fondly called The Lickettes. In addition to being a tasteful bandleader and guitarist, Hicks also happened to be a fantastic songwriter, and a handful of these songs--like "How Can I Miss You..." and "I Scare Myself," the latter covered by both Thomas Dolby and Barry Reynolds--are genuine classics. --Michael Ruby

Tracks:

I Feel Like Singing
Coast To Coast
News From The Street
Where's The Money?
Caught In The Rain
Shorty Falls In Love
By Hook Or By Crook
Reelin' Down
The Buzzard Was Their Friend
Traffic Jam
Is This My Happy Home?
Dig A Little Deeper

Customer Reviews:

You MUST have this one.......2007-05-12

If you like Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, you MUST have this recording.
By far his best of the best.

Great performance.......2007-01-03

From the 70's Dan hicks has been a great performer in pop, blues, funk, rockabilly, and country genres of music. Multi-talented, this band can do it all and sound great today as they did in the past. Great selections of tracks.

5 stars, more if you got 'em........2005-12-04

Possibly the finest live record ever released. It's one of those records that is so fluid, smooth, humerous and swingin' musically, that it sets a standard rarely, if ever matched for a live release. I'm a big fan of DAN HICKS and his HOT LICKS. They're all great records. But this one is the best one. Flawless. Song after song dancing blithly past your ears in perfect harmony and pacing. Dan always has been able to create music that is unique. I've never known what to properly call it. Swing/jazz, bluegrass, hippy music, folk rock, violin band. Heck, there's just nothing that really says it properly. Quite an achievement. His humerous remarks between songs really brings the record to an even higher level artisticly. I have loved this album for maybe 30 years and expect to always. Thanks guys. Any other old material you find layin' around that you wanna' release such as the 'Muse' record and more, please, feel free. What pleasure. chrisbct@hotmail.com

A Top 10 recording in my lifelong collection.......2005-11-18

If I have a CD in my car CD Changer that is an original recording from 1971, that tells me it has withstood the test of time. This album brings the listener to the foot of the stage to witness one of the most interestingly unique, entertaining and underrated songwriters and performers of our time, on a night when his band, and this album, was captured live, like a lightening bug in a bottle.

First introduced to me by my older sister Laurie, when I was a kid, the tunes, lyrics, and good old toe tappin' delight of this watershed album is in fact, highly contagious. Hicks blends humor and heartache, and puts them to musical beats & dramatic dynamics like no one else ever has. That said, there are some serious harmonies going on here, as well as masterful musicianship from a very talent group of musicians.

In my 45 years on this planet, I've turned hundreds of friends and acquaintances onto this Dan Hicks album, and others of his as well. It's just plain wonderful feel good music. Truth be told, I sometimes close my eyes, sing, and somehow pretend I was one of the lucky ones sitting in the audience that magical night, when this wonderful album was recorded live at the World famous Troubadour night club in Los Angeles, California. You can certainly tell the audience had a blast, and you will too. Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks have stood the test of time.

New and Fast.......2005-09-30

The product was brand new (purchased "like new") and arrived in just a few days.

Average customer rating:

Hicksville
A Cool Breeze On A Summer's Eve
'I Scare Myself' one of the finest songs ever recorded.
nostalgic music
OH JOY

Striking It Rich
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Fontana Mca N'ville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Where's the Money?
Last Train to Hicksville
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
Beatin' the Heat

ASIN: B000002PD4
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

You Got To Believe
Walkin' One And Only
O'Reilly At The Bar
Moody Richard (The Innocent Bystander)
Flight Of The Fly
I Scare Myself
Philly Rag
The Laughing Song
Canned Music
I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)
Woe, The Luck
Presently In The Past
Skippy's Farewell
Fujiyama

Customer Reviews:

Hicksville.......2007-06-01

No one styles tin pan alley as well as Dan. What a great show. You can feel his electricity.

A Cool Breeze On A Summer's Eve.......2006-07-11

Dan Hicks And His Hot Licks were truly a sport of nature, one of those unique creations that come out of nowhere and defy categorization. Part folk, part Django Reinhardt homage, part Western swing, and part tongue in cheek; this outfit was as marvelously cracked as the palm tree scenery they brought with them everywhere. They were smart - but never condescending to their audience. Overall their music had the gentle, pleasant texture of lazy summer evenings when there is lots of time, little to do, and nothing to worry about.

Hicks is a terrific front man, but the secret of this group is found in the talent surrounding him. The Lickettes (easily the greatest name ever for a team of female back-up vocalists) have exquisite voices, and add smooth sweetness wherever they're found. Maryann Price and Naomi Ruth Eisenberg both sound marvelous when they solo, but the blend of their voices is heaven.

Sid Page on violin (and mandolin) provides the instrumental juice reminding you of Stephane Grappelly and all those Western swingers, check him out on Flight Of The Fly. The humor of Dan Hicks And His Hot Licks ranges from mild, I'm An Old Cowhand, to broad, O'Reilly At The Bar, to goofy, The Laughing Song, but it is never mean. With this outfit, fun is the name of the game.

Despite the hip sensibility that characterizes Dan Hicks, he is never better than when he is overtly sentimental. Songs like I Scare Myself, Canned Music, and the Western lullaby Presently In The Past, are so beautiful that it hurts. Dan Hicks And His Hot Licks always were hard to pigeonhole, perhaps that's why they've weathered the years so well. This one is just pure delight, can't recommend it highly enough.

'I Scare Myself' one of the finest songs ever recorded........2005-12-04

Not quite up to par with the 'Where's the Money' live lp but still filled with beautiful songs. Yeah, the LP cover opens like a matchbook. Cleva'. Dan always had style. The real point is to get every one of his 70's records because there's amazing songs on each one. This album probably is not well known out in the world. If you want humor/drivin' sound/violin/bluegrass/smarty pants lyrics/emotion in almost every song and going to a musical place that is like your own private vacation, buy this album. chrisbct@hotmail.com

nostalgic music.......2005-10-12

I love Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks..took me back in time..good quality CD

OH JOY.......2003-06-23

Oh God! I am so happy that this CD and "The Most of Dan Hicks" wll be winging their way to my mailbox ......I feel like dancin', I feel like steppin' out...............

A Woman Alone with the Blues (Remembering Peggy Lee)

Average customer rating:

One of Muldaur's Best
take on torch songs is absolutely opaque to the influences of others
Maria Muldaur: A Superb Blues Singer
Better Late Than Never
Smokey Joe's

A Woman Alone with the Blues (Remembering Peggy Lee)
Maria Muldaur , and Dan Hicks
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Heart of Mine: Love Songs of Bob Dylan
30 Years of Maria Muldaur: I'm a Woman
Meet Me Where They Play The Blues
Richland Woman Blues
Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul

ASIN: B00008MLSK
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Fever
I Don't Know Enough About You
Moments Like This
Winter Weather
Some Cats Know
Everything Is Moving Too Fast
Waitin' For The Train To Come In
The Freedom Train
Black Coffee
A Woman Alone With The Blues
For Every Man Ther's A Woman
I'm Gonna Go Fishin'

Amazon.com

From her beginnings in the sixties folk music scene in Boston, Maria Muldaur has continued to explore a range of American musics, first with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, followed by a pair of albums with then-husband Geoff Muldaur. The '70s brought her commercial success with the release of her debut solo album and the single "Midnight at the Oasis." The '80s found her recording sets devoted to jazz, gospel, and swing, while the '90s albums celebrated her love of New Orleans and blues. A Woman Alone With the Blues is devoted to 12 songs associated with Peggy Lee. From the slow burn of "Fever" to the swinging "Everything Is Moving Too Fast," this is a well-paced set with Muldaur backed by a supple eight-piece combo. Dan Hicks guests on "Winter Weather," trading verses with Muldaur over a snappy big band arrangement. Lee's career drew from a sufficiently diverse and uniformly potent range of songwriters (Ellington, Arlen, Berlin, Leiber & Stoller, etc.) and this album is likewise rich in its breadth. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

One of Muldaur's Best.......2007-03-31

For some reason I could never stand Peggy Lee; can't quite put my finger on it but perhaps it was something about her voice that irritated me. For that reason I was a little reluctant to get this album. My doubts were gone right from the first song. Muldaur's treatment of these songs is superb and this is one of her best albums. I could be considered a bit biased. I now have 17 Muldaur albums and not a bad one in the lot; all 4 and 5 star-rated albums. One thing I have noticed too is the quality band work that backs up Muldaur on most of her albums, including this one. Buy ANY Muldaur blues album for a real treat.

take on torch songs is absolutely opaque to the influences of others.......2006-01-30

A Woman Alone With the Blues
Maria Muldaur
Telarc Records CD-83568
Faced with memorial albums, such as this tribute to Peggy Lee, the critic often has trouble deciding whether to review the original artist or the one performing the covers. This is not a problem when dealing with Maria Muldaur, whose own take on torch songs is absolutely opaque to the influences of others. Even when the others are the original recording artists. Even when the other is Peggy Lee. It is true that Ms. Muldaur has never had another "Midnight at the Oasis," and that it seems difficult to keep her off of bad albums, but her own best efforts, those over which she exercises artistic control, remain the hottest burning torch songs available.
There is a late 40s-early 50s eroticism here, an old-style, sultry ambience that makes clothing sexy; that turns a clarinet line into foreplay. Instrumentation, while we're on that subject, includes guitar, piano, alto and tenor sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, bass, drums and vibes. Control is a large part of this release, too. There are solos, but no excesses. Lyrics are pared to avoid repetition, and the music behind them swoops up or down appropriately with the precision and grace of a bird of prey.
Due to a circle of friends, neighbors and peers that, over the years, has ranged from Kitty Wells to Rev. Gary Davis to Bob Dylan, Maria Muldaur has been through a number of musical phases over the years, some more interesting and exciting than others, and one never knows quite what to expect from her new CDs. Thus, when something as spectacularly good as A Woman Alone With the Blues comes out, it comes with an extra kick for the buyer, something akin to doing well at the racetrack and feeling the dual exhilarations of winning and of obtaining a large sum of money.

Maria Muldaur: A Superb Blues Singer.......2005-05-15

I absolutely love this album by Maria Muldaur. It may be a homage to the late Peggy Lee but Muldaur makes the songs her own. She has experimented with many genres in the past and has been successful in all that she has chosen. Muldaur should be much more well-known amongst the general public than she is but like any artist who has been pegged by a bit radio hit, such as Melanie with "Brand New Key" and Janis Ian with "At Seventeen", Muldaur is best remembered for "Midnight At the Oasis". All three artists have continued to record and have moved into different types of music. Muldaur is a true artist and this album is evidence of that.I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am certain that Peggy Lee herself would have liked it very much. The songs were specially picked by Maria after immersing herself in Peggy Lee's music and it was difficult for her to choose a limited number of great songs made famous by Peggy Lee but her selections have proven to be the best for her own renditions. It is a very fine Blues album and I have no hesitatiion in giving it five stars. It it the type of album that is not suitable for background music--it is captivating and one is drawn into really listen. That, to me, is the sign of a great album.

Better Late Than Never.......2003-10-23

Based on her last two releases, Maria Muldaur has become one of my favorite singers. Her rendition of "Some Cats Know", on the Peggy Lee tribute, should be enough to convince you that she belongs in the ranks of the greats. But there is so much more to enjoy. "I Don't Know Enough About You" ,"Everything Is Moving Too Fast", "Black Coffee"...all are handled with class and sass! Now I need to start catching up on all the stuff I missed over the years. I'm looking forward to it.

Smokey Joe's.......2003-06-14

This is my 14th album by Maria Muldaur; and she keeps getting better, creating a diverse body of work. With her exquisite last CD remembering blues greats like Memphis Minnie on "Richland Woman Blues" and this set remembering Peggy Lee, she's becoming an interpretive musical historian of significance like the late John Hartford. With 21st century technical support, this set could be a blast from the 1930's - 1940's jazz era. Maria reinvents the music through her personality and makes it come alive. Among the many highlights on the CD is Peggy Lee's signature song "Fever" which burns and aches with libidinous longing. Dan Hicks duets on the swinging "Winter Weather" with the horns and brass pulsing to perfection. The two tracks that have me reaching for "repeat" come smack dab in the middle of the CD: Peggy Lee's penned "Everything Is Moving Too Fast" is a loose jazz & jive that'll set your toe to tapping while "Waitin' for the Train to Come In" highlights Maria's coos and sighs through a lovely melody. "Freedom Train," "Black Coffee" and the title track are also great highlights among an exquisitely strong set. This set will let you turn back the clock, imagine an earlier easier time when melodies were strong, Peggy Lee was one of her era's strongest vocalists, and somehow we are transported by Maria's magnificent performance to see that the music sounds as wonderful today as it did when it was first written. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Great Recording
Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys meet Manhattan Transfer
Not the Last VW to Hicksville
The final flowering of an awesome band
Part of the 5? awesome 70's lps from Dan Hicks & his H.L.s

Last Train to Hicksville
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Fontana Mca N'ville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Striking It Rich
Where's the Money?
Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Beatin' the Heat

ASIN: B000002PD5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cowboy's Dream No.19
Lonely Madman
My Old Timey Baby
Vivando
Success
Cheaters Don't Win
Payday Blues
I Asked My Doctor
Sure Beats Me
The Euphonius Whale
Sweetheart
'Long Come A Viper
It's Not My Time To Go

Customer Reviews:

Great Recording.......2007-05-12

I have been a Dan Hicks fan for years. This album (CD) is one of his top three. I highly recommend it.
Enjoy.

Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys meet Manhattan Transfer.......2006-10-12

Or Spike Jones meets Asleep at the Wheel? Cowboy music for city slickers? Dan's band was a revolving door with many permutations and pretty tough to classify. The one thing you can tell is that they sure did have fun making this music. 'Last Train to Hicksville' has always been my personal favorite. It's their tightest (all things being relative--these were pretty loose folks) sounding effort with an eclectic mix of songs for all ages and the best corp of Lickettes.

Not the Last VW to Hicksville.......2006-06-06

I was soooo stoked when my ex-boyfriend Joe popped this tape in my car one day. It never, ever, never ever EVER came out of there again....until we broke up (it WAS his, I'm not cruel!) And besides, I found it on Vinyl up in Portland 2 years later! Delicious, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, how can you NOT like everything this guy does? Even my grampa likes this record, and BTW I'm 24, he's 84. :)

The final flowering of an awesome band.......2005-12-31

The addition of drums and electric (Charlie Christian-esque) guitar pushes this to the top of the heap as regards Hicks. Yeah, the songwriting includes Naomi Ruth Eisenberg's "Success," but that is what your skip button is for. I wish he had signed with a different label than Blue Thumb...they went belly up and just couldn't promote these guys the way Warner's pushed Maria Muldaur, who (though I love her) isn't quite Maryann Price's equal. Swings sweetly, with humor.

Part of the 5? awesome 70's lps from Dan Hicks & his H.L.s.......2005-12-04

Really, once you're a fan, you can't overlook this album. There's too much on it that delights. More of the same vein of music that the band cranked out to perfection on 'Where's the Money' and their other 70's albums. Light hearted, fun, emotionally involving. It's gotta be a combo of the song writing and the various musicians who blend together to make this magic sound. There's not the same consistency of classic songs here but it's a lovely album nonetheless. Been listening to all their albums from the 70's since the 70's and they all age very well. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197

Average customer rating:

Great CD!
From Boulder 1972 to New Jersey 2002
Hickin' and clickin'
There has never been another group like these guys.
You will be enjoying this music 25 years from now!!!

Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Last Train to Hicksville
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Striking It Rich
Where's the Money?
Beatin' the Heat

ASIN: B000005KPE
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

I Feel Like Singing
News From Up The Street
Where's The Money?
The Buzzard Was Their Friend
Reelin Down
Dig A little Deeper
Canned Music
Walkin One And Only
The Innocent Bystander
I Scare Myself
Presently In The Past
You Gotta Believe
I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande)
My Old Timey Baby
Sweetheart (Waitress In A Donut Shop)
Long Comma Viper

Customer Reviews:

Great CD!.......2007-01-03

Great performance by a tight hip band and solo artist. Dan's "I Scare Myself" is the best cut on this disk. You'll enjoy it! Dan still got it!

From Boulder 1972 to New Jersey 2002.......2002-03-19

30 years ago (yikes!) I saw Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks at a bar on the Hill in Boulder called Tulagi. Bought the album and listened to it until it died.

Last night "The Sopranos" closed out with "Where's the Money". I went to Amazon to see if just possibly, I could find the CD. How cool that there are 4 to choose from! Still fresh, still toe-tappin', feelin' good music.

Hickin' and clickin'.......2000-10-20

I met Dan in a bar in Philadelphia in '71, it was just before his show. He seemed quiet and pensive. The show began and he transformed the place with his palm tree backdrops and the Lickettes. Their music style was unique even back then, melding 40's swing with country, rock and humor. 30 years later I listen to the songs, a smile spreads across my face and my feet start bopping. As musicians they're really tight. The music is, so from the heart, honest. Attitude is a little Steve Martin with a lot of soul. Treat your self to this album it will definately lift you!

There has never been another group like these guys........2000-03-25

The spring I graduated from high school, my boyfriend and I saw these guys open for Elton John of all people. We couldn't believe our ears. They were the hippest, tightest, swinging-est band we'd ever heard. In fact, most of the audience didn't know what to make of them, but I found a lifelong favorite. Give this disk a listen.

You will be enjoying this music 25 years from now!!!.......1999-10-04

I have enjoyed this musician and entertainer since the 70's. I may put him on the shelf for a while, but I always come back. If you ever get a change to see him, do it.

Average customer rating:

a unique talent bordering on genius
Greatest Swing Music of All Times for Surf music could be blues
Let the Dr. Help
Dan's Got it!
Be better if they stayed on pitch

Selected Shorts
Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Surfdog Records Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beatin' the Heat
Where's the Money?
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Striking It Rich
Alive & Lickin'

ASIN: B00031TXWC
Release Date: 2004-12-13

Tracks:

Barstool Boogie
Cue the Violins
Hey Bartender
See You In My Dreams
I Lost My Marbles
Mama's Boy Blues
C'mon-a-my House
One More Cowboy
She's Right
Texas Kind of Attitude
That Ain't Right
That's Where I Am
That's the Smoke They're Blowin'
Three Wishes
Willie

Album Description

Dan is back with special guests Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Gibby Haynes, Van Dyke Parks, and Thomas Dolby, lending their talents to Hicks' first studio effort since his critically acclaimed 2000 comeback release, "Beatin' The Heat".

Customer Reviews:

a unique talent bordering on genius.......2007-05-13

A must have for the Dan Hicks fans.
Had me hummin in the morning and put me in a good mood to face the day!

Greatest Swing Music of All Times for Surf music could be blues.......2007-03-03

I'm doing the Barstool Boogie in my seat. If you like Texas Swing This is the album for you.

It is hard to classify Dan Hicks music. So many different Artists on this Album... Guitar great Gary Hoey plays on several songs. Jimmy Buffet duet on "Barstool Boogie". Willie Nelson on "one more cowboy"

While the music is what mesmerizes me on this album it is the background vocals that get me singing along.

Very unique sound a must have CD

Let the Dr. Help.......2006-09-17

It has been awhile since I have out enjoyed myself this much listening to a set of music. I love this CD. It does exactly what it sets out to do: entertain. If you are sick to death of all the angst, preaching, bitching, threatening, complaining, snot-nosed whining, not to mention the unnecessary screeching and shouting from your speakers, Dr. Hicks has the Rx. You not only want this collection, you NEED this collection. Bye Now.

Dan's Got it!.......2006-02-21

Dan hits again and the Hot Licks are always easy on the ears.

Be better if they stayed on pitch.......2005-11-19

I can't discard these songs completely, because they have such potential! Clever, fun lyrics, great beat, but BOY I wish this guy could hit his notes more often!

I suppose this fellow requires the sort of "pitch doesn't matter" mindset that Grateful Dead listeners perfected years ago (or similar drugs). I'm just not that tolerant or substance affected.

Average customer rating:

Dan is the Man
I'll split the difference
most ... almost
I Scare Myself
Fantastic sound

The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Last Train to Hicksville
Where's the Money?
Striking It Rich
Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
Selected Shorts

ASIN: B0000062FF
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Tracks:

How Can I Miss You
Waiting For The 103
I Scare Myself
Evening Breeze
Canned Music
Milk Shakin' Mama
Slow Movin'
Shorty Takes A Dive
The Jukie's Ball
Payday Blues
Believe
Old Time Baby
Living With A Lie
He Don't Care
By Hook Or By Crook
News From Down There

Amazon.com

Although the title might be questionable, this compilation of Hicks's 1969 debut Epic album, Original Recordings, with seven tracks intended for an unreleased follow-up is manna for longtime fans. The Hot Licks' eccentric combination of folk, country, and old-timey parlor music with often Zappa-esque absurd humor still sounds fresh today, perhaps because it already sounded apart from its time 30 years ago. Hicks recorded two of these tracks for last year's excellent Beatin' the Heat comeback, but Original Recordings is the one that put him on the map. It's the one college kids listened to in dorm rooms while doing whatever throughout the first half of the 1970s. It's the one that inspired Thomas Dolby to cover and score an alternative hit with "I Scare Myself." "Milk Shakin' Mama" remains one of Hicks's all-time best efforts, and, with one exception, the demos fit right in, each of them a newly discovered gem. A true hippie classic. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

Dan is the Man.......2007-06-02

If you don't know and love Dan by now, what can I say?
This cd is tons o' fun.
The old material here is slightly different from the other recordings you may already have and you will like them, trust me.
A great intro to give someone who doesn't already know these guys.
The master of swing with great backup singers and brilliant musicians.

I'll split the difference.......2006-07-01

Yes, great to have the Epic recordings on CD along with the unissued stuff from the great lost second album, however unfinished. No, the reordering and absence of songs from the first album is inexcusable. We liked it just the way it was, y'know? Strange minds out there.

most ... almost.......2003-10-22

OK the remastering gave a bit of a sparkle to the CD - but my advice to a potential purchaser (esp. vintage fans) of this CD is - don't bother. Seek out the CDs with the original track listings. I found the bonus tracks pretty lame reworkings of the original. To me, they sound like out-takes that thankfully didn't make it onto the original recordings.
I've been a big fan of Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks since first hearing them back in 1976. I have all the vinyl - and later, most of the CDs.

One star for the remastering.

I Scare Myself.......2003-06-23

I scare myself just thinking about how happy I am that I am getting this CD after all these years! This is still my favorite Dan Hicks album, although I do love "Strikin' It Rich" also. This music is so much fun. Of course it brings back early seventies "cooler than thou" memories....frye boots an'all but really it remains fresh and funny and acoustic and just damned wonderful. Reward yourself!

Fantastic sound.......2003-04-19

I admit that I am giving this 5 stars just because of the fantastic sound quality. This is not Dan Hicks best album musically, but it sounds the best. It does contain early versions of many of his most popular songs.

Dan Hicks recorded one album for Epic records, called Original Recordings. It had 11 tracks. He also recorded a number of songs for a second album that was never released. This CD contains 9 of the 11 tracks from Original Recordings, plus 7 tracks that were meant to be released on the second album. The CD is 65 minutes long. I don't know why 2 tracks from Original Recordings were left off of this CD. I have never heard the LP version of Original Recordings, so I don't know what those 2 missing songs are like.

Original Recordings did not sell well, and Dan Hicks moved from Epic Records to Blue Thumb Records. He released a number of albums for Blue Thumb. Through the years, he redid most of the best songs on Original Recordings and put them on his new Blue Thumb albums (like Strikin' It Rich and Where's The Money).

The problem is that most of Dan Hick's CD re-issues have horrible sound. MCA bought out Blue Thumb. MCA has done very cheap CD releases of classic albums from their catalog. The sound quality is very poor. It is flat, muddled and has no dynamic range. Also, the packaging is very cheap. Only the front side of the album cover would be reproduced. The production details would be typed on the backside. I admit, that I bought my CD's (Striking It Rich, Where's the Money, Last Train to Hicksville) when they first came out. There is a possibility that MCA has improved the sound since then.

On this CD, The Most of Dan Hicks, the sound quality is excellent on the first 9 songs. It is crystal clear, with a high dynamic range. It just resonates. On the last 7 tracks, the sound quality is also very good, but there is a high end buzz that can be heard when cymbals are played or during the female vocals. But even with the buzz, the sound quality is still better than the MCA CD's.

On the first 9 tracks, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, have an even more stripped down and accoustic sound than usual. Some parts are just vocals and a guitar or violin, with no bass or drums. It still sounds great.

This album contains early versions of many of the Dan Hick's classics, such as I Scare Myself, Canned Music and News From Up The Street. I prefer the later versions of these songs, where they are a bit more amplified and more rock oriented. But, since the CD's of the later verisons of the songs have such bad sound, overall, I like this album better.

This album does contain some goofy songs in the middle, but overall, I really enjoy.

I once saw Dan Hicks play in a bar in Tucson. He had broken up the Hot Licks and was now playing in a band called Dan Hick's Accoustic Warrior, which had no female back up singers. His popularity was down. He was scheduled for 2 shows, but the second show did not sell well. They gave free tickets to those who attended the first show. I only saw the second show. Dan Hicks was so drunk that he forgot the words to a song and had to start it over. All in all, it wasn't a very good concert. But, I have seen him at verious reunions of the Hot Licks, and he has been very good.

Interesting note: David LaFlamme, from It's A Beautiful Day, was the original violin player in the Hot Licks, but left before an album was recorded. He was replaced by Sid Page, who also appeared on many other people's albums (including It's A Beautiful Day) and did the soundtracks for tons of movies.

Average customer rating:

Dan Hicks - Beatin' the heat

Something new...well to me!

Love This Album

Danny Boy, we're glad we know ye.

Blow my socks off!

Beatin' the Heat
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Surfdog Records Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Country | Styles | Music
Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Selected Shorts

Where's the Money?

Last Train to Hicksville

Striking It Rich

The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks

ASIN: B00004WJ8B
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

My Cello
I Don't Want Love
I Scare Myself
Strike It While It's Hot!
He Don't Care
Meet Me On The Corner
I'll Tell You Why That Is
Hummin' To Myself
Doin' It!
The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)
Chattanooga Shoe-Shine Boy
Driftin'
Hell, I'd Go!
Don't Stop The Meter, Mack
I've Got A Capo On My Brain

Amazon.com

In his song about alien abduction, "Hell, I'd Go," Dan Hicks proclaims, "I'm travelin' light; my attitude's right." Attitude combined with swing is what has made Hicks the sui generis artist he is. Attitude and swing are in abundance on Beatin' the Heat, and both attributes are shared by special guests: Brian Setzer, Rickie Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Tom Waits, and Elvis Costello. Those seeking a working definition of cool should listen to the Hicks-Waits duet on the laid-back shuffle "I'll Tell You Why That Is." Only the essential genius of violinist Sid Page returns from the original Hot Licks, but the band's unique vocal and instrumental sound is still amply present, tastefully updated by producers Gary Hoey and Dave Kaplan--what could be more appropriate than a remake of "I Scare Myself" over a trance groove? Intentionally or not, Hicks has steered clear of the swing revival movement, opting to continue making his own brilliant brand of eclectic, jazz-inflected pop music. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

Dan Hicks - Beatin' the heat.......2007-01-11

Excellent recording, true and original. Different styles are combined and vocals reveal an astonishing sound. A masterpiece.

Something new...well to me!.......2006-02-25

I never heard of Dan Hicks until I started listening to Radio Margaritaville, but "Barstool Boogie" caught my ear...from his latest album (Selected Shorts) and was so good, that I just had to have more. It is so great to discover something new...or is that old...

Love This Album.......2005-08-19

One of my very favorite albums, I like this even better than "Strikin' It Rich" and "Last Train to Hicksville"

Danny Boy, we're glad we know ye........2002-02-27

A friend of mine used to break out his Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks LPs during our partying days in the 70s & 80s...I had never heard of the group, but always enjoyed the music, the lyrics, and the fun...at least I think I did. Then I heard a review of "Beatin' The Heat" on the radio (NPR?). Whoa...gotta get it. And I've been playing it over & over ever since. Gave a copy to another friend as a Christmas gift after he took two months to return my copy when I let him borrow it. If you like good tunes, lyrics that are at times intelligent, corny, and downright funny, and some fine musicianship...don't let this one slip through your fingers...GET IT NOW!

Blow my socks off!.......2001-06-25

Plain and simple this is a wonderful, rockin' record. I haven't ran across a record like this in a long time, one that will have you dancin' in the isles and singing "I'm as mello as a cello" or "the piano has been drinking" all day long. I am on my third copy because all my friends love this record and I just can help but give it to them. Perfect record for holidays and vacations when you have groups of friends/relatives getting together. The bounce in this record transcends musical styles and tastes: my stoggie old man loves it (he likes Mel Torme & Perry Como), my cowboy friend loves it, my punk rock girlfriend can't get enough. It is just plain fun. I highly, highly recommend this record. I can almost guarantee you will love it.

Average customer rating:

My wife's favorite Dan Hicks album
Another gem from these guys.

It Happened One Bite
Dan Hicks
Manufacturer: Rhino Handmade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Selected Shorts
Last Train to Hicksville
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks
Return to Hicksville: The Best of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks -- The Blue Thumb Years 197
Where's the Money?

ASIN: B0001LYFXQ
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

Cruizin'
Crazy 'Cause He Is
Garden in the Rain
Boogaloo Jones
Cloud My Sunny Mood
Dizzy Dogs
Vinnie's Lookin' Good
Lovers for Life
Collared Blues
Waitin'
Reveille Revisited
Mama, I'm an Outlaw
Boogaloo Plays Guitar
You Belong to Me [Mono Version][#]
Mama, I'm an Outlaw (Slow Version)
Vinnie's Lookin' Good (Slow Version)
Gone With the Wind [Stereo][#]
Walkin' My Baby Back Home [Stereo][#]
It's Only a Paper Moon [Stereo][#]
Honeysuckle Rose [Stereo][#]
Lulu's Back in Town [Stereo][#]
Hummin' to Myself [Stereo][#]

Customer Reviews:

My wife's favorite Dan Hicks album.......2007-04-06

This vinyl album was my introduction to Dan Hicks. My wife had a copy when I first met her and she loves it. Listening to it now brings back a lot of memories for me.

Sound quality is excellent and I love all the liner notes explaining the genesis of the music as a soundtrack for a Ralph Bakshi animated film (and ultimately what happened to the film). There is a whole other album's worth of bonus material on the disc: some alternate takes of the original songs and quite a bit of improvisational material done in the studio. The latter stuff is good, but it's not how I remember the album, so I give this 4.5 stars out of five. (I've split the music into two different playlists on my computer, so I can easily listen to whichever half I'm in the mood for.)

Another gem from these guys........2005-12-04

I spent the 70's buying used records from the local record shops and obtained all the 70's DAN HICKS and his HOT LICKS lps that way. All excellent condition. This album has some of their finest songs ever: Cruizin', Garden in the Rain, Boogaloo Jones and Cloud My Sunny Mood. The presence of these songs alone makes the album a 5 star release. The other songs from the original album are also great, just not spectacular classics like these songs are. Again, the band has their unique sound: bluegrass/smarty pants/swing/hint 'o jazz/hint 'o rock/violin/harmonizing/strongly written humous and emotional songs. I have not heard this version with the extra tracks and will purchase it as soon as I can afford to. To have bonus tracks from their 70's period is a gift given that the 70's were the prime period for this band. I can hardly wait. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Average customer rating:

Ho-Hum Boooooorrrrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg!
Too-hasty follow-up to Beatin' the Heat
Lickin' Tongue In Cheek
The hottest Hicks of the Licks
Swing shift

Alive & Lickin'
Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks
Manufacturer: Surfdog Records Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional Country | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Selected Shorts
Beatin' the Heat
Last Train to Hicksville
Where's the Money?
The Most of Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks

ASIN: B00005N8TJ
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Where's The Money?
I Got Mine
Shootin' Straight
How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?
The Piano Has Been Drinkin'
My Cello
Wild About My Lovin'
I Feel Like Singin'
Comes Love
Payday Blues
Caravan/4 Brothers
Four Or Five Times
Buzzard Was Their Friend

Customer Reviews:

Ho-Hum Boooooorrrrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg!.......2007-01-03

Boring is a compliment. Dan is an accomplished musician but this isnot one of his finest collections. 'Nuff said. Go with his earlier stuff and forgt the live performance.

Too-hasty follow-up to Beatin' the Heat.......2002-01-16

I could be wrong, but this disc seems like a hasty effort to follow up on the surprise success of Beatin' the Heat. Taken from one show, the tunes are a little uneven. Low points are How Can I Miss You (When You Won't Go Away?); Dan sounds like he's sick of doing this one, and he adds an annoying country drawl to the tune (this happens elsewhere on the album). Fans of the original recording will not be happy. Four or Five Times is done as a sing-along with some sloppy scatting, and The Buzzard Was Their Friend sounds hurried. On the plus side, the band is sweetly melodic on Cello, The Piano Has Been Drinking, and Wild About my Loving. Wild About My Loving and the Duke Ellington instrumental Caravan are the two most pleasant surprises on the album. I Feel Like Singin' and Where's the Money retain their freshness after 30 years, and Comes Love has a lovely subdued, bittersweet feel reminiscent of songs like News From Up the Street.

It's hard to be objective about this release, since it comes hard on the heels of the very excellent Beatin' the Heat. Hardcore fans will buy it, of course, for the previously unrecorded tunes, but first-timers and casual fans would do better to arm themselves with Beatin' the Heat, or a classic like Where's the Money?, Last Train to Hicksville, or Strikin' It Rich.

Lickin' Tongue In Cheek.......2002-01-03

Dan Hicks always gives you a good time. He's relaxed, smooth and having a good time on this great live set. The set opens with a scratchy intro like an old phonograph record that tells us the flavor is retro. The songs smoothly sway. "Where's the Money" is great jazz swing. "I Got Mine" blows soft and breezy. "Shootin' Straight" is a sweet samba. Hicks punctuates the set with his wry brand of humor. For "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away" he tells us, "This is the four billionth time I've done this one." -- And practice makes perfect! He handles a heckler with a little bathroom humor describing the cleanup that will make you chuckle when you brush your teeth! :) He has great live banter for Tom Waits' gem "The Piano Has Been Drinking." "My Cello" is Dan Hicks meets surf music. His version of "Wild About My Lovin'" polishes the beautiful melody and is a great update from Jim Kweskin's or the Lovin' Spoonful's version. Scat singing fuels "I Feel Like Singing." "Comes Love" is a great silly blues song for manic depressives. Dan has some country/western fun on "Payday Blues." "Caravan" and "Four Bathers" are jumping little tunes. "Four or Five Times" has some way silly singing. The CD ends with a jazzy bit of whimsy, "The Buzzard Was Their Friend." Susan Rabin and Annabelle Cruz add great backing vocals. My only complaint is directed to Surfdog that tracks the CD so each song introduction is with the preceding track which makes shuffle play mode irritating. But Hicks is in fine form and sure to put a smile on your face and set your toe to tapping with this fine live set. Enjoy with tongue in cheek!

The hottest Hicks of the Licks.......2001-11-12

Dan is absolutely one of the last true sixties icons still playing and recording and making jokes. The Alive And Lickin'CD is just one crown of his records. Alive and Lickin' again. He can swing through decades as hot as possible.

Swing shift.......2001-10-25

Dan takes a licking and keeps on ticking. This fun CD is a worthy companion to the lost 1971 classic "Where's the Money," chronicling Hick's live shows just after the release of "Beatin' the Heat." Hicks' deadpan commentary is hip and humorous, and the songs enjoy first-rate musical backing. The ladies don't quite have the sass and swing of the original Lickettes, but they get the job done. Hicks, shooting straight these days, is in fine voice. Aside from the usual highlights, check out the band's swinging take on "Caravan" and Hick's downhome version of "Wild About My Loving."

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review