(Rock) Terry & The Pirates - The Doubtful Handshake - 1980, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Terry & the Pirates have that indescribable something that I find so appealing in rock bands with cult followings. Maybe it has to do with the fact that their music is so American that the historian in me can't help but to be drawn to their material. That's not to imply that the songs of group leader Terry Dolan are the least bit pedantic, but his lyrics are clearly inspired by the American experience and especially the Old West. His ability to combine a unique vision with wide-ranging musical talents makes him a true original. Although Terry & the Pirates have always had a devoted following in the San Francisco Bay Area, they've generally found a larger audience in Europe where there tends to be a greater appreciation for this kind of Americana, the kind that most Americans don't care about.
When this album was recorded in 1980, the band was at the height of its powers as a result of continuous performances at smaller Bay Area venues throughout the 1970s. Indeed, some of the tracks were newer versions of songs that had been in their repertory for many years and, in some cases, previously recorded as demos. Featuring a lineup of Dolan on vocals and rhythm guitar, guitar hero John Cipollina (formerly of Quicksilver Messenger Service) on lead, Greg Douglass (formerly of Country Weather) on second lead guitar, David Hayes on bass, and Jeff Myer on drums (as well as being supplemented by the able assistance of Pete Sears on keyboards), this is arguably the Pirates' finest LP in spite of the late 1970s-early 1980s production standards prevalent in the overall sound. Borrowing its title from the like-named C.M. Russell painting on the cover, The Doubtful Handshake may very well be Dolan's definitive statement as the musician with an imagination fueled by America's Great Frontier.

Things start out strongly with the excellent "Ain't Livin' Long Like This," sung from the confessional perspective of a troubled desperado and further enhanced by some superb solos from Douglass and Cipollina. More dual lead guitar goodness makes "Inside & Out" a compelling listening experience, and the fretwork on "Into the Wind" ain't too shabby, either. With its history going back to at least 1971, "Inlaws and Outlaws" is clearly one of Dolan's favorite compositions, and rightly so. With possibly autobiographical lyrics about coming from the East Coast to San Francisco (he was originally from Connecticut), this song not only tells a gripping story but also features some incredible instrumental performances. Dolan's furiously strummed rhythm guitar supplies the rest of the band with a musical anchor, providing Cipollina in particular with the opportunity to go off into several extended solo flights that you won't want to end. Don't be surprised if you find yourself listening to this one over and over because I'm guilty of having done that quite a few times myself. The gorgeous "Montana Eyes" will conjure up images of Big Sky Country in your head, while the rocking instrumental "Highway" allows Cipollina and Douglass to trade one impressive riff after another. A worthwhile cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You" is a nod to an early rock 'n' roll influence, and the closing track, "All Worth the Price You Pay," typifies everything that is great about this album: a well-written song that is just long enough to showcase the musicians' chops without having to venture into endless jam territory.

GREG DOUGLASS
JEFF MYER
TERRY DOLAN
JOHN CIPOLLINA
DAVID HAYES