Recorded in 1990 on the Texas-based Antone's label, "Monkey Land" shows why Omar (Kent Dykes) & the Howlers have such a enthusiastic following world-wide. Backed by much of the original Howlers line-up, Omar self-produced this hot blues-rock effort with a little studio help from guitarist Dick Wagner. If you aren't familiar with Dick, he was part of the twin-guitar attack on Lou Reed's "Rock & Roll Animal" live Lp, and co-wrote two of the songs here. And what a great line-up of songs! Most written by Omar, but wait until you hear his blues wail on the Beatles "She's A Woman"! In the liner notes he says he wanted to do it like "Howlin' Wolf", and the result is a killer! Omar can sound like a cross between Tom Waits & Captain Beefheart with maybe a little sharper edge that shreds through lyrics and puts him up with some of the best blues wailers you ever heard.
Other highlights: "Tonight I Think of You", solid rocker with the drums way up front; "Big Town Shakedown" with earthquake thumping bass with the classic Omar Fender guitar licks; and don't miss "Night Shadows", a classic Bob Seger type ballad that showcases Omar's songwriting prowess. A great album for your collection, and an instant kick in the [rear] for your next party! by zzjohn