The Dirty Truckers – Tiger Stripes

Earlier this year, Tom Baker (no relation to Kurt Baker, as far as we know) released an LP as Tom Baker & The Snakes. To paraphrase a friend of mine, stand-up comic and fellow music enthusiast Lord Carrett: It kicked ass harder than a cross-eyed Rockette. Now, only a few months later, Tom Baker has released a 6 song EP as The Dirty Truckers entitled Tiger Stripes.

Its a good thing Rockettes don’t wear steel underwear.

The opening track, “Stranger in Disguise”, is a high octane rocker that’s probably great when one hears it live. “Human Contact” has an infectious melody with a memorable chorus. The countrified twang of “Feedback” is irresistible. The jangly descending guitar runs pulled me right in.

“Not That Into You” may be my favorite track on Tiger Stripes. Its yet another under 3:00 power pop gem. The disc finishes with “Just Run Away”, a song that could be described stylistically as somewhere between The Doughboys and Paul Westerberg.

The Dirty truckers Are: Tom Baker (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Jamie Griffith (Bass), John Brookhouse (Guitars, Vocals, Organ on Just Run Away), and Johnny Lynch (Drums, Vocals, Percussion).

The street date for The Dirty Truckers’ Tiger Stripes” is July 4. You can get it at Rum Bar Records. While you’re there, I suggest you check out the Tom Baker release from earlier this year entitled Lookout Tower.