Black Oak Arkansas are what you'd logically expect were the Allman Brothers to become fatally delirious. The band's lead singer, Jim "Dandy" Magnum, is possessed of a voice truly unrivaled in the animal kingdom, and BOA's other five members do a competent job of marking time for him. With High on the Hog the band flaunts its hillbilly roots, but alas, the combination of corn pone and backwoods "musicianship" should prove a mite too volatile for most ears. The accustomed preoccupation with sex continues (remarks like "She's a real fine looker, a $50 hooker" abound), and BOA make still another attempt to play off their leader's name, this time with a catastrophic sortie into soul styling. It was safely concluded long ago that this band has nothing to say, but do catch them in concert if you can, 'cause they're absolutely hilarious.

Evidently not all the turkeys got eaten this Thanksgiving. (RS 153)

GORDON FLETCHER