Artimus Pyle Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Usually, when a rock drummer steps out from behind the kit to assume the forefront as a solo artist, it means it's time for fans to run for cover. However, this is certainly not the case with ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd timekeeper Artimus Pyle. It's been a cushy 24 years between Pyle's last solo studio set and the arrival of Artimus Venomus -- but the wait has been worth it. In fact, Pyle's 2007 solo set is arguably the strongest and most Skynyrd-sounding of any of the countless albums that the reunited Skynyrd -- and it's various members' solo albums -- have issued in the wake of Street Survivors. With Pyle having penned or co-penned the majority of the songs (and also handling most of the lead vocals, as well), the album is certainly one of the quirkiest Skynyrd-related releases yet, as evidenced by such tracks as "Blood Sucking Weasel Attorneys" (which begins with brief Frank Zappa-esque dialogue) and "Dead Rock Stars' Widows, Gigolos, Pocket Money." But musically, longtime Skynyrd fans will have plenty to sink their teeth into -- it's all lean, mean Southern boogie throughout, especially the Allman Brothers-esque "Brother Walk On By" and the mean blues of the album-opening title track. If you call yourself a Skynyrd fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this surprisingly strong release by one of the wildest characters to ever pass through the Skynyrd ranks. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
'Live from Planet Earth'
Release Date 1/1/2000
Tracks 13
Label Last Resort
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On their second outing, the Artimus Pyle Band regrouped, added some new blood, and turned out a fine pop-rock album. Featuring two lead vocalists, Darryl Otis Smith and Karen Blackmon, as well as guitarists John Boerstler and new recruit Rusty Milner, the APB rock their way through a set of ten original songs with style and commercial appeal. Guest shots from Toto's Steve Porcaro and David Paich only add to the wall of sound. The title track from Nightcaller features Blackmon at her best, with a distinctive sound reminicent of Ann Wilson of Heart. "Hoping I'll Find You" and "Only Child" are prime tracks, and "Red Hot Light" rocks like a sledgehammer striking a railroad spike. A massive departure from the sound featured on their debut LP, APB, this one seemed ripe for radio airplay. Unfortunately, the band would reassemble itself a couple more times over the next two years, but they would never recapture the magic of this lineup. Artimus Pyle would briefly regroup with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1991 before forming two other bands in Florida. Rusty Milner would join the Marshall Tucker Band as lead guitarist in 1985. ~ Michael B. Smith, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Artimus Pyle Band were a shoo-in for MCA Records, following the rousing success of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and drummer Artimus Pyle. On this, their debut release, the band carries on with the Southern-rock sound that made Skynyrd a household name. The recording was produced by three members of the Marshall Tucker Band, in their own studio in Spartanburg, S.C. Darryl Otis Smith contributes powerhouse vocals, layered on top of the guitar of Steve Lockhart and John Boerstler. With its .38 Special feel, "Town to Town" was an instant radio add, but it is the quirky "My Whole World's Upside Down" that steals the show, along with the straight-ahead "Rock and Roll Each Other" and the remake of Chuck Berry's classic "Maybellene." Pyle's only writing contribution, "Makes More Rock," is, as you would imagine, heavy on the drums, and another prime cut. The band would regroup a year later to record their only other LP, Nightcaller. ~ Michael B. Smith, All Music Guide
