There's nothing complex about SwampdWamp's self-titled debut; these are simple, straightforward songs about down-home, down-to-earth things, and nary a song goes by without mentioning alcohol, cars, women or good times with good friends. Lead vocalist Gig Michaels cites influences such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Joe Cocker, and the band's Myspace page also lists The Black Crows, Kid Rock, Louis Armstrong and others. Produced by Joe Boyland (Lynyrd Skynrd, B Co., Nazareth), the CD is a veritable jambalaya of Southern rock, funk and a little but of everything else, just for kicks.

"Miss Becky" and "Blind, Crippled, and Crazy" cover both sides of the "songs about women" spectrum, with the former being more lighthearted (both musically and lyrically), and the latter being more heartfelt and sincere as Gig pleads with his girl to "stay inside and make love all day." Friends and family are also common themes here; "I'm Feelin' Saturday" is a tribute to partying it up, with passing references to Cabo Wabo and bar rooms, and "Sunday Southern Tradition" name checks everything from grease pits to NASCAR as it conjures up images of barbecuing in the back yard. Even "The River", a song about suicide, represents death through the common image of one less plate on the kitchen table. One notable thematic exception is "Tastes Like Chicken to Me", which contrary to what the title might suggest is actually a more serious statement about flooding in New Orleans, and one more reason to knock one back in memory of bad times that have passed us by.

Favorite Track: Track 3, "Birthday"

Michael Fiegel is a freelance writer and graphic designer. His diverse background includes journalism, radio copywriting, technical writing, game design and music reviewing. He is best known as the creator of the Internet cult sensation, Ninja Burger. He can be reached at aeon@aeforge.com or at his website, www.aeforge.com.