As on his previous solo outings, with Steel Guitar Heart Attack, Rauhouse reminds us of the staying power of favorite TV themes ("Mannix") and novelty hits ("Big Iron"), the swooning charm of lounge music played without irony, and the backbone of Big Band-era dance music--solid rhythm guitar playing. Whatever happened to that, anyway? Aspiring guitar players can also go to school on the super-clean and idea-packed side-picking of Tommy Connell.
There's lots more singing here than on Rauhouse's previous releases. Case returns his favors, as do Joey Burns and John Convertino as part of a swing-era, male chorus on "Idaho." Northwest punker Rachel Flotard turns in a stunning treatment of the classic "Harbor Lights." Rauhouse sings a lot more and especially shines on his original "Drinkin' and Smokin'," surprising subject matter under the circumstances.
