CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND: "Enlightened Rogues" (Capricorn):: The heartening sense of overall conviction here doesn't extend into many specifics, with the surprising exception of Gregg's roughly detailed vocals. But Ronnie Van Zant himself couldn't breathe life into these songs, most of which Dickey Betts was saving up for the third Great Southern album— now never to be heard, which is one good thing.
CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE
by Robert Christgau
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND: "Enlightened Rogues" (Capricorn):: The heartening sense of overall conviction here doesn't extend into many specifics, with the surprising exception of Gregg's roughly detailed vocals. But Ronnie Van Zant himself couldn't breathe life into these songs, most of which Dickey Betts was saving up for the third Great Southern album— now never to be heard, which is one good thing. B-
"THE BIZARROS" (Mercury):: This catches Nick Nicholis's vocals halfway down the road to a proper stylization, and his lyrics sound like he's been reading trash rather than talking it. But he also helps shape the music here, and the music is great. Few bands demonstrate more thorough command of basic hook-and-drone, especially Velvets-like because the tempos are never breakneck. Didn't take me long to gjet to like every tune on the record, as well as most of Jerry Parkins's guitar parts. B +