TAROCK MUSIC

So much can change in a few years!  Last we caught up with Rick Shaffer was back in 2015 when we did an interview with the man and a review on what was his sixth solo-record at the time called Jitterbug Shake.  Here we are now in 2018 and the dude’s already on his ninth solo album now!  Time flies, as they say, it’s relentless creators and artists out there like Rick that remind us just how much can be accomplished in between point-A and point-B along the way.

Killer opening to the record, Cool My Fear, might very well be one of the raddest jams I’ve heard from Rick so far in fact; at the very least a solid reminder of how great it is to have him back in our speakers.  Sliding guitars provide serious enticement for the ears and the drums are as badass as drums can be, sounding massive in the vibe and energy fueling this first cut.  It’s got that Stones-esque wildness to the groove, plenty of hooks from beginning to end that slide right into pure Rock satisfaction that hits the mark of that loose rhythm and cool, while still being executed with the foresight and vision it takes to create a track like this that’ll transport ya from wherever you are right into the thick of the mix and experience.  Not that he’s given us a single reason to doubt him from what we know and have heard in the past already – but it’s still a noteworthy beginning to Creatures Of Impulse that has Rick sounding fully ready to rock once again, and definitely stands out as a great way to lead the people into the rest of the album.  Continuously a kickass tune to listen to, every time you loop this record and Cool My Fear starts out with those big drums and sly groove, you end up hooked all over again; consider yourselves warned, if you let it run even ten seconds in, you’re likely gonna sign yourself up for this entire ride once more.  In most situations that’ll be more than fine – if you end up cranking this up at your 9-5 in the office tower, maybe not so much – so be careful, cause once ya start this record you’ll really wanna keep it going.

Flawed Perfection has stylistic swagger that you can latch onto right away.  You know it’s funny, the first track was called Cool My Fear as we already know – but once this second track kicked into its rhythm and groove, the first thought that crossed my mind was that the musicians and listeners out there should fear his cool!  Because you really do get a ton of that in Rick’s songwriting.  Flawed Perfection is a great example of that style of Rock he owns with such confidence, which can all be traced back to the authenticity of a life spent making the music he loves to play just as much as he loves to listen to.  As a result, he ends up with songs like Flawed Perfection which will more or less provide the blueprint for the whole game-plan at large, which is to make the music be in the moment, let it go where it takes ya.  Vocals have been wickedly strong, lively, and vibrant on these first couple cuts and the songwriting has been equal caliber for sure – it’s as interesting to the ears just as much as it is fun – or in the case of a track like Flawed Perfection, danceable even.  Almost kind of like . . . hmm . . . like a Blue Oyster Cult-meets-The Stones tune at the core of its roots – and I think there’s a ton of people out there that would dig anything that might resemble a combination like that if you’re looking for something compelling to come through your speakers.  That’s what Flawed Perfection was to me personally, it was compelling in the true sense that you wanna hear more of what’s coming at ya; a lot of that has to do with the structure, sound, chord progressions and all that technical good stuff, but most of that appeal comes from the natural rhythm and groove and authentic desire you hear Rick and his crew of musical cohorts have for making music altogether.  That’s what really hooks you in – you know they’re all seriously into it and that enthusiasm, be tamed or wild, is still something that translates right to us as listeners, every time.

Letting the cool drip out just one iota slower and sweeter, Let Go seems to enhance its melodic edge with a little more space & time.  Loving the fuzz on the guitars and absolutely dig just how wild they get just slightly in behind the scenes from the rest of the main groove happenin’ on the surface – listen close to this cut, you’ll find all sorts of hidden gems that definitely sound like the result of being in the moment, but working out very much in favor of what ends up being quite an endearing melody in a Rock-song really.  Some of that genuine magic you really wanna hear in the way this song is sung, that completely connects in that indescribable way – you just know you want a whole lot more of it and as fast as you can get it into your face-holes.  Rick leads this song to a beautiful place when it comes right down to it, Let Go is about acceptance, moving on, understanding, and it’s full of insightful lyricism, stunning sound, brilliant melody, and a seriously comforting and inviting vibe at the same time.  Not only is it a wonderful stand-up tune from this record with plenty of universal appeal – but the man behind the music and the label behind the man (Tarock Music) made the smart choice of supporting this cut with a video and went and made it a single from Creatures Of Impulse.  Very wise decision!  Check it out below!

Guitar melodies on Stubborn Kind were fantastic and probably my favorite part of the song overall.  Committed singers like Rick can often ask you to go along with’em for the ride at times, he brings a bit of extra drawl to the words and hangs on to them all in a noticeable rock-induced slur of sorts as he slides around with the vocals on this tune.  Again, that’s organic stuff, that’s the essence in the spirit of Rock’N’Roll – you go after and try different ideas, approaches, sounds, and styles.  Pretty sure the overall sweetness in the aura floating around this cut will be more than enough to keep the people on board regardless – but there are gonna be just as many people that dig the slick mix of subtle charm and charisma that Rick threads into the vocals of Stubborn Kind.  It’s got that mid-tempo vibe goin’ on, Stubborn Kind kind of plods along without making any kind of intentional swings to grab your attention through anything that’s an odd fit or even a sound that’s outside of the vibe and idea created here – everything just kinda fits into place in its own pleasant way and never steps out of line.  Always harder to shake the people with a mid-tempo tune and I don’t feel like Rick has tried to break that pattern here so much as embrace it for what it is, give a great stylistic performance to his vocals with a fresh approach on the album’s fourth tune, and create a strong supporting jam that provides a reset.

Because those wild sliding guitars are making a comeback into the mix and comin’ straight at ya on High And Low right afterwards.  Another track that immediately gets the groove movin’ quickly and establishes a strong vibe the people out there are sure to dig.  You got actual tambourines in the mix as well, not normally something you notice, but that extra jangle that this cut has really fills in the atmosphere perfectly.  Not too much that can be said other than the fact that moments like these simply ooze cool from every pore of your speakers, full-stop.  Amazing character and personality in the guitars of this tune and definitely the kind of cut that will continually entertain you with something new you’ll discover being part of the mix each time you hear it, you’ll always find what sounds like a new star of the show upon repeat.  Vocals are freakin’ fantastic and one of Rick’s best performances for sure – but facts are also facts, he’s done a killer job when it comes to finding the heart of the moment in each of these tunes and creating vocal patterns and melodies that really suit these songs on Creatures Of Impulse.  Songs like High And Low have that extra edge of shiny appeal in the catchy bounce of the groove – but once again, it’s that ‘in the moment’ feeling you get from these songs that keep you invested along the entire journey of this record.  Kind of like one of those daredevil acts that you’d watch on TV or a talent show of some kind, you know?  It’s like you never really want them to wipe out – but it’s the possibility that it COULD happen that keeps you locked in the grip of what you’re experiencing and that what you’re witnessing would never really be the same thing twice no matter what.  It makes the successful landing of songs like High And Low all the more impressive.

I’ll admit, at first . . at FIRST . . I wasn’t too sure I’d be able to dig on the Blues-infused sounds of All I Need, but that initial reaction proved to be mightily incorrect – this song has got some seriously rad ideas inside it and a whole lot goin’ on.  Awesomeness happening in the vocals from the lead to the background, it’s all part of a cleverly loose groove for sure, bit more bluesy, maybe a tad more soulful, but also built of pure rock spirit and passion at its core.  All I Need ended up being a fantastic representation of the music that Rick truly loves to make – that genuine in-the-moment magic that’s nearly impossible to duplicate anytime the exact same way afterwards.  He’s caught a lot of that within the walls of this record and All I Need is another real highlight for just how all-encompassing these vibes he creates can be – you feel a track like this as a listener, no question.  I suppose what had me slightly worried at first was that it sounded like Rick was about to head into what I’d call ‘punchline rock’ for a second there, it’s like you can feel that set up for the big line and reveal coming in that first verse – but he takes it in a way better direction with one of his most soulful lines to boot.  What I should know, is better than to doubt the man – he’s not about to start busting out the jokes now.  So even if the pace and groove to both the music and vocals might seem like he’s about to set one up, have no fear, he keeps it on the level and focused, and the payoff is still definitely there, but in a much, much more satisfying way than you might expect in that initial spin.

All ride, all ride, all ride!  That sweet-sweet fuzz on high, Ride On Baby gets rippin’ quick out of the gate and springs forth with a controlled energy and killer sound.  Wicked solo in this tune, short and sweet, but hey, Ride On Baby is less than three-minutes long and in this modern-day era, just be thankful you got one at all will ya?  Memorably smooth and catchy hooks that people will be singing along with instantly, it’s flashy like a hot rod, and it’s definitely got an accessible sound I could see being a real highlight on the record for many.  It was for me, it’s a solid example of the idea, concept, and theme fittin’ the flow and vibe of the music spot-on, and Rick captures this moment on the mic with pure Rock confidence and that signature cool in his style he’s become synonymous with over his career.  Ride On Baby is without question appealing on a universal level – it’s got fantastic energy and a killer riff that never quits; it feels like that true top-down highway cruisin’ at top-speed tune you’re looking for.

Cry Any Longer finds an edge I think people will dig on, it’s raw, maybe a bit more of a wander through the genre than the previous cuts by comparison, but still plenty of moments that are more than interesting to listen to.  It’s got a rad tribal stomp and sound to the drums, I dig that, the slide guitars are as enticing as ever, the vocals remain impressively committed to the performance aspect and enhance the vibe by remaining joined with that wild energy you find in the air and attitude of the music.  There’s no doubt that Cry Any Longer drifts further away from that accessible sound into something more meaty, ambitious, and artistic in its structure, movement, and performance – but it’s also such a decidedly different song on this record that you will certainly notice its presence on Creatures Of Impulse.  My gut tells me that Cry Any Longer is probably a tougher sell to the masses out there overall, but I think there are enormous moments of success on this cut that should certainly be acknowledged.  Those bursts of wildness injected into the slick and slyness of Cry Any Longer for instance – they serve this song incredibly well, essential really, its where you hear everything spring to life and Rick deliver some of his boldest vocals on the record.  While he’s shouting and singing “I can feel you gettin’ stronger,” we can feel HIM gettin’ stronger as well, and it’s that kind of insightful pairing between the lyrics and performance that you’ll often find are a powerful part of the recipe in what Rick brings to the mic and that raw wildness is definitely a part of what will pull people in to listen to Cry Any Longer.

I liked how Fool’s Dream brightened-up the record when I felt like it needed the spark the most.  Interesting in the sense that it’s immediately inviting, you’ll pick that up in the music right away, but it’s really from the middle-point (ish) on-forward that Fool’s Dream will find its most solid ground to stand on.  I doubt anyone could resist the way this song opens up; especially if you’re on our side of the pond here in Canada as well, that backbone of the music on this tune sounds like it could fit right onto the early Tragically Hip records or maybe even later on with the Trouble At The Henhouse record even.  Of course, Rick is decidedly different in his approach than Downie’s on the mic – but make no mistake, you’ll still find similarities – and if you know your history on both, you’ll know that Shaffer has an intense love of The Stones and that The Hip started out their career virtually as a Stones cover-band too.  Love the way the guitars slide on sweetly through the chorus of this cut and overall, I felt like Fool’s Dream was a great example of a song that continually gets better as it plays on from beginning to end.  You’ll enjoy yourself from the very start, like I said, that brightness in the guitars will grab hold of you right quick – but in terms of a song evolving and finding exciting new parts while STILL retaining the original main thread that keeps it ALL cohesive – I mean, you gotta like Fool’s Dream as a highlight on Creatures Of Impulse by the time it ends with how it finishes on its strongest moments for sure.

Part Time Love has that soothing Blues-Rock wisdom in the narrative as Rick sings, a classic emulation of the genre that somehow puts the pain out there in a comforting way that’s relatable.  And ain’t that the Blues at the core of it all anyhow?  We ALL experience the Blues at some point, it’s those like Rick that can detail what makes our experiences the shared ones they are by putting it all out in the open like this instead of internalizing it – that’s how we connect to the music and the messages in the genre.  The transition into the bridge of this cut is freakin’ brilliant – and if you listen to the lyricism here, you’ll find plenty of double-entendres that will certainly bring a grin or two to your mug along the way.  Clever stuff though, like I said, Rick’s not just throwing in cheesy jokes here, he’s played it much smarter than that by placing in some lines that can be taken in more than a few ways, but straight ahead for most on the surface without suspicion.  That’s the thing about listening to music folks – you gotta actually listen to actually hear things like this that have alternate meanings within the words – or even if it’s just the multiple theories that you’ll come up with on your own, that’s what it’s all about – get INTO the music you listen to and try to figure out what it’s all about.  Part Time Love is a lot of fun while at the same time still full of a tight jangle and groove that can be taken just as seriously – good times to be had here in the midst of searching for love at last call, in what’s probably the wrong place at the wrong time too.

You get a lil’ bit of that surf-rock/psych vibe in Rick’s garage rockin’ tunes throughout this new record at times, and definitely on the colorful sounds found on In Front Of You.  It’s another aspect of Shaffer’s music that people will appreciate for sure – he’ll remain rooted in Rock throughout the record for sure, but there’s more than enough versatility in between each song by what he’s choosing to combine with the main ingredient, so it’s always a case of Rock+, you know what I mean?  In Front Of You keeps it lean and mean, that main riff is undoubtedly super-strong, the distance and tone of the guitars in the mix is spectacular.  Rick’s got bold presence on the mic and you can hear him seize this moment in time with confidence and authority, genuine swagger and even the occasional edge and growl that’ll creep into his performance here as In Front Of You builds into its smartly controlled freakout-jam towards the end.  Another solid example of how well the instrumentation interacts together and the energy that comes out sounding so inspired and fresh as a result, this track makes smart moves and really goes somewhere from point-A to B, while taking all us listeners along for a slick groove that doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.  The force is strong with this one, highly effective hooks and fantastic sound all around here.

Creatures Of Impulse wraps up tightly with the final track Wrong Direction perhaps being one of the more accessible tunes from the set and another excellent example of the expressive nature the spirit of this whole record has truly possessed along the way.  You get melody, you get Rock, you get fun, you get passion, you get that ultra-cool and slick Rick sound you know and love and a perfect exit out in the fade of this final track that concludes this whole experience definitively on a lyrical & musical level as everything disappears right at the end of Wrong Direction and the album is finished.  I felt like this last song really brought out clearly, just how much of a bridge between that land of Garage Rock sound and stadium-sized Stones-esque vibes that Rick can provide, and as always, everything sounds like he could do this all damn day and never get bored, which seriously counts so much for the listeners out there, both inside and outside of the genres that Shaffer and his crew of talent work within.  He’s got that natural style that’s effortlessly committed, because he lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes all-things Rock and everything that comes with it.

Full salute to a man that sounds like he’s still got another century’s worth of energy and spirit in him to keep on rocking as long as there’s enough juice in the amplifiers to support him – and a full shout-out to the talented list of players that have kept this record sounding fun, skillful, and wildly inspired.  Stevie Carlisle, Billy Nichole & Boo Boo Spencer all play essential roles in bringing these songs to life alongside Rick Shaffer – clearly the vibe caught hold of them all and thankfully they were able to capture that magic between’em for the rest of us on this new record.  Really well done.

• Jeremy Gladstone — Sleeping Bag Studios, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2018

Every now and again an artist capable of not just capturing the spirit of a bygone era but portraying it with uncanny authenticity and accuracy arrives, and in an era where music lovers seem increasingly ravenous for the real thing, Rick Shaffer and his band are precisely that act.  On the album Creatures Of Impulse, Shaffer transports listeners to a land where rock meets the blues, with a dirty, impulsive sound that proves both raw and visceral.  Insistent guitar riffs, and heart rending vocal lines meet up with incessant foot-stomping rhythms.  Shaffer’s vocals seem affected and urgent as he walks the line between garage and psychedelic jam-rock blues.  These tracks unnerve the conscious mind with hard-edged grooves that originate from both the Hill Country blues of northern Mississippi and the Delta blues surrounding the Mississippi River.  The struggle, strife, and promise, seems to live on in each primal drum beat and louder-than-loud bent guitar note on Creatures Of Impulse.  It is the sound of an era drenched with the sweat and blood of a generation on the verge of either victory or collapse. There couldn’t be a more relevant sound in 2018.  Welcome to the new, old world!

From the moment Cool My Fear kicks the album off – guitars grind, roar and wail, like their souls are burning – driving the single-minded focus represented by Shaffer’s rough and rugged vocals.  This fake music world tries to be too pretty, too sterile.  Rick Shaffer adroitly manifests a brilliant sense of authenticity on Flawed Perfection with a driving, swampy intensity that will not be denied.

This is probably my favorite song on the album, and a track the Rolling Stones could cover most admirably.  By the time you flip through the gallop of Let Go and Stubborn Kind, it becomes clear that this music has a rail of nostalgic intensity and atmospheric depth that keeps you engaged.

Rarely does an album allow you to comfortably play it from start to finish but with Creatures Of Impulse.  You never have to worry about being near a remote or the source of the music to skip past certain songs.  The rhythms are hard (not fast); driving and pulsing.  The sound is mesmerizing, hypnotic.  There is a groove to the music and an equally effective vibe to the vocals.  All of which come together brilliantly on the twangy High And Low.

The mid-tempo All I Need is another standout, just before the up-tempo jive swing of Ride On Baby sets in.  Cry Any Longer falls back into the crunch of grinding blues.  There is a depth of symbolism in some songs and a more overt meaning in others.  And despite the fact they can best be loosely categorized as blues infected garage rock, there is a lot more going on.

This is one righteous album, the driving rhythms, melodic hooks and urgent vocals get under your skin and won’t let go.  This is again clearly evident on Fool’s Dream and In Front of You.  But then Rick Shaffer has deliberately mixed two distinct groups of sound into the album – the first group, which is described as “late sixties, early seventies crunchy blues grinders” and the second group detailed as “raucous, bluesy hill country swing”

Of the two, I am particularly taken by the first group. These songs suit Shaffer’s voice and all-round demeanor to a tee.  In fact I have never heard him sound better than he does on Flawed Perfection and All I Need.

Recorded in Como, Mississippi, in the northern part of the state, known as hill country, Creatures Of Impulse is an album that has been begging Rick Shaffer to record it.  It is the rocker’s ninth album, and in my personal opinion, the best album he has ever recorded by far!

Vocally, instrumentally and authentically superior to anything he has previously done, Creatures Of Impulse finds the founding member of the once famed Philadelphia band, The Reds, playing guitar, bass, harmonica, and additional percussion.  An intoxicating dose of garage-rock that buzzes with booming age-old blues, this pulverizing compilation takes Rick Shaffer to the lofty levels of the legends he might once upon a time have idolized.

• Rick Jamm — Tuned Loud, 2018

Rick Shaffer is a dynamic rock artist with a really unique background (he’s a founding member of The Reds).  His sound makes us think of a wide variety of genres, ranging from punk, to garage, blues rock and psychobilly.  His most recent release, Let Go (track 3 on his ninth solo album, Creatures Of Impulse), is a particularly impressive song.  His singing has a theatrical quality to it, which really makes me think of genius artists like Tom Waits and Nick Cave.  In addition to that, the instrumental is a cavernous stomp, with driven drums and unique guitar tones.  The sound makes us think of artists like Stray Cats, The Blasters and The Cramps, making for a really gritty and down-to-earth approach.

If you like tried-and-true alternative rock with a retro twist, you are going to connect with this release.  Rick is a diverse and forward-thinking musical act, who is able to channel a wide range of influences, while retaining a stark and personal sound.  This release marks an important step further for the artist, and it is extremely well-produced, making for a great listening experience.

∎  Artist Rack, November 2018

Latest album ‘Creatures Of Impulse’ by Rick Shaffer is truly ear-pleasing.

In the latest twelve-song album Creatures Of Impulse the highly-gifted Rick Shaffer showcases to us just why he is the name to follow in the world of music with great energy, top-notch production and a vibe that will have you hooked from the start to the end of the album.  With this ninth solo album release we are excited to see what’s next for Rick Shaffer.

∎ Sound Of Now Music Blog, United Kingdom, November 2018

Rick Shaffer most certainly is a Creature of Habit, in a good way, because he sticks with a formula that works — KICK THE DOOR DOWN music.  Shaffer continues to offer that distinct garage band effect that works so well and adds a classic touch to the overall sound.  I had the chance to review Rick Shaffer’s 5th solo album Misadventure back in 2014 and knew then that this man was on a mission to get back to the basics of music.

‘Creatures of Impulse’ is Rick’s ninth solo album and a very strong effort I must admit.  The record was recorded in a Mississippi studio with a bunch of musicians just laying it all out and bouncing ideas around.  I agree with the statement from the Tarock Music press release, that “There’s looseness, a human element that is missing from many of the over-produced music that’s released today.”  Shaffer & company definitely loosened up and unleashed unadulterated realness in its purest form.  The new release offers 12 original songs with that heavy presence of bluesy rock soaking up the tracks.  One other big element that was detected was the noticeable influence of Mick Jagger and the early Rolling Stones’ blues recordings.  I mentioned in my previous article that I picked up on what I called “Jagger-isms” and I’m hearing that once again with Rick Shaffer channeling Mick Jagger on vocals.  I love the Stones and Jagger, especially their early material, so I truly embraced and welcomed this style.  The album starts up with a catchy jingle jangle titled Cool My Fear that is unfiltered and gritty.  The second track, Flawed Perfection, gives the listener a smooth melody layered over gravelly vocals, while Let Go has Shaffer and the players jammin’ out and rockin’ & rollin’ down the tracks.  Chuggin’ along, Stubborn Kind displays a generously slowed down tempo unlike High And Low where Rick and his team are pickin’ away and hitting all the right notes.  All I Need is some good ol’ fashioned blues, but then jump aboard and cruise away on track seven, Ride On Baby, where we’re all just truckin’ along.  Rick Shaffer is digging deep on Cry Any Longer and not holding back on track nine, Fool’s Dream.  The song Part Time Love supplies a cool vibe that one can fall in love with on a regular basis while track 11, In Front of You, showcases the boys bringin’ it on home.  The album ends in a wildly fresh manner where there is plenty of high energy to go around.

In the end, ‘Creatures Of Impulse’ gives you that straight-to-the-core, garage blues/rock presence that can be appreciated by many.  We need artists like Rick Shaffer and records like ‘Creatures Of Impulse’ today because it proves that we don’t need glitz and glam and overproduced, carbon copy recordings.  Music is in the ear of the beholder and I’d say Rick Shaffer is tuned in at just the right speed with ‘Creatures Of Impulse.’

∎ Jimmy Rae, Skope Magazine, 2019

Having managed to escape the ravages of a Chicago January, I fled to southern California and now I’m neck deep in surfy indie tunes.  Needless to say, Rick Shaffer’s latest album Creatures of Impulse is a serious change of pace with his southern Mississippi swagger.  With a self described sound of garage blues, this rough and tumble album wastes no time making an impression.  Tucked away in this southern brew is Americana, folk, country and some good old fashioned rock n’ roll.  This is not Shaffer’s first rodeo when it comes to making albums. Creatures of Impulse happens to be his ninth solo album and he has certainly mastered the sound he’s going for.

There is a lot of free flying composition here.  You can tell Shaffer is not afraid to improvise and go with the flow.  The recording process was done collectively with all musicians present giving the whole album a live feeling.  There is no doubt this group is having a good time and those good vibes seem into everything.  There is definitely a translation of that electric energy into the songs and that’s a big part of what works for the album.

The production element is an interesting one.  This album is clearly a son of the south with recording and mixing done in Como, Mississippi.  The only Yankee element here would be the mastering which was done in New Jersey.  At its core, the album has some solid, rough around the edges blues that I get into.  I appreciate the homage the group was paying to some of the blues greats of the past.  I think with a few production tweaks to both the instrumental and vocal elements, this album could have come off a little more up to date.  I think a good example of where a little modern twist can make a big difference was Let Go.  Here there were some treatments to the guitar which gave the song a little more edge.  My hope is moving forward, Shaffer will continue to experiment more in this kind of way.

This is a great album for anyone pining for some dirty south flavor, lord knows I was happy to switch things up.  Again, you can tell these guys are having fun and it’s the kind of music that can liven up a space.  There are definitely a few noteworthy body moving jams in here.  I know that Shaffer’s signature twang will leave a good taste in the mouths of many blues fans.

• Rebecca Rothschild, Divide And Conquer, 2019