Search - Atlanta Rhythm Section :: Eufaula

Seasoned band makes a sensational album.

Patrick M. Cusick | central, PA USA | 05/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time fan I was thrilled to listen to all new ARS music. Having listened to the album countless times since it was released, I can honestly say it is virtually impossible to get tired of it. It contains the signature ARS elements and attributes while at the same time, it sounds fresh and new. It IS NOT a rehash of old music. The musicianship, soul, character, tone, production, thoughtfulness and intellect behind this album are as good as it gets. These Southern Gentlemen should not only be "proud to be livin' the the USA," but be proud to be among the very best bands to ever come out of the good old USA as well. If you don't LOVE this album, you just don't know how music is supposed to FEEL."

Great Rock, With Tons of Emotion, Totally overlooked!!!

David Spuria | Spencer, MA United States | 07/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of ARS since I was a kid. I was moved by tunes like "Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight" and the totally dissed "Alien". This band has a certain emotional pull built into their music. "Eufaula" is a jaunt back to ARS's prime. Singer Ronnie Hammond has roughened up a bit, but it only adds fuel to this southern blaze. Buddy Buie is back along with veteran Ronnie Mills. Their production is nothing short of flawless.



The CD opens with "I'm Not The Only One" which is a perfect ARS ode to survival. The guitar solo and emotion make my earlier point-this band wears it's emotions on it's guitars. Two excellent solos from Barry Bailey give this lead off track the kind of gusto that should have propelled it onto radio. But alas, old bands don't belong on AOR stations anymore (atleast with their new stuff). This band has always been a mix of southern rock-meets bar room rock-meets adult contemporary. "Who You Gonna Run To" could be on a Skynyrd album. Great bluesy riffs and stand down lyrics. "Dreamy Alabama" takes up the AC mantle with it's scintillating portrait of Alabama's landscapes, not unlike the back of the CD. This is a special nostalgic look at things, people and the passage of time. Never has ARS sounded so sincere. Buie, Cobb and Hammond write an amazing piece of music here. Just amazing. Contrasting "Alabama" is the upbeat, almost reggae tinge of "Nothing's As Bad As It Seems" which could be "Nothing's Gonna Bother Me Tonight" all grown up. A perfect track for AC radio, yet again. Delilah, why not dig this one up for a grumpy caller? "When" opens with an ARS style keyboard draped behind Ronnie Hammond's many questions about life and his glass half full philosophy. Hammond seems to be struggling with issues of friendship, romance and companionship during "Eufaula", which makes for great music and solid lyrics. This is almost a concept album in the way it looks at the good things in life, how it hopes for tommorow and how love is the answer. Again, AC radio, where were you on "When"? "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet" is a blues-jazz, almost Steely Dan like shuffle, and a good one at that. This incarnation of ARS shows excellent diversity here, and Donald Fagen would be proud."Fine Day" is a cross between the southern rock and AC style. Great

acoustic guitars weaved around electrics.The song bobs and weaves between country and rock. "What Happened To Us" is an acoustic rocker with a lament to lost love. What's amazing about "Eufaula" is that even the weaker songs have depth and feeling. In fact, there's hit potential in every song. "Unique" is a southern rocker with a cool guitar, and great Eagles-like background vocals. The subject matter again looks up, instead of despairing. "Life can make you lose it, having you talk to yourself...I Ain't that Unique". "How Can You Do This" finds Hammond being way more direct to his "other" in the lyric. His plea is as bare boned as you can get. Aparently a divorce was looming in one of these songwriters marriages. The album ends with a great southern rock instrumental, "Whats Up Wid Dat?" which showcases all the musical prowess of this still great band.



What "Eufaula" proves is what is so prevalent in music today, old rock bands do better melody, better songwriting and better production. Often, the musicians are better and more precise. The Atlanta Rhythm Section may now be a memory (thanks to Hammond calling it quits) but this swan song CD stands as a testamony to their one-of-a-kind blend of rock, pop, soul, blues and country. It's as if an era is ending on Eufaula, a place of beauty and majesty, combined with a whole spectrum of emotions, and nostalgia from a musical period that has passed away and left us with empty pop and rock that won't stand the test of time. Eufaula is not only a beautiful part of Alabama, it's a fitting end to one of the great bands to ever play music in that neck of the woods, or any woods for that matter."