The Rides - Pierced Arrow (Deluxe Edition) (2016)

Having listened to The Rides new album, Pierced Arrow, it is easy to understand the affection Stephen Stills, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has for the band. The Rides features Stills with five-time Grammy-nominated Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the renowned Chicago rock/blues keyboard player Barry Goldberg. The Rides formed in 2013 following a performance by the trio at a benefit, which led to the release of their debut album, Can’t Get Enough. Fast forward to 2016 and The Rides are back with their sophomore album indicating that this is not just any other supergroup, this band is in it for the long haul. “Kick Out Of It” opens the album and is an up-tempo blues rock number, featuring Stephen Stills distinctive vocals before Kenny Wayne Shepherd takes over the reigns on the old school rock n’ roll number, “Riva Diva.” The pair most certainly has formed an impressive partnership. The incredible “Virtual World” takes the album in Crosby, Stills and Nash direction with some beautiful vocal harmonies between Stills and Kenny Wayne Shepherd reminiscent of Stills early work with CSN. A staple track in the band’s live set on their first tour, “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” by Gladys Night and the Pips/Bobby “Blue” Bland, is one of two covers on the album. Goldberg writing with Gerry Goffin had a hit with the song in the 70s. As you would want and expect, Pierced Arrow is packed full of both Shepherd and Stills’ blistering handy work particularly on the likes of dirty blues, harmonica-infused “Game On” and the blues-rock number, “I Need Your Lovin’.” Goldberg’s impressive playing adds a nice texture throughout the album. Pierced Arrow is a well-rounded blues album from some of the finest artists in the game.

TRACKLIST
1. Kick Out Of It
2. Riva Diva
3. Virtual World
4. By My Side
5. Mr. Policeman
6. I've Got To Use My Imagination
7. Game On
8. I Need Your Lovin'
9. There Was A Place
10. My Babe
11. Same Old Dog (Bonus Track)
12. Born In Chicago (Bonus Track)
13. Take Out Some Insurance (Bonus Track)