Alabama 3 - 'Hits And Exit Wounds' (One Little Indian) Released 21/04/08

Formed in South London, when the son of a Welsh Mormon Preacher meets the offspring of a Glaswegian trades unionist at an acid house party in Peckham. Jake Black (The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love) and Robert Spragg (Larry Love) rapidly embarked on a venture fusing musical styles of acid, country and gospel which following what was known between the band as the “wilderness years”, the band expanded into a Brixton based collective and they called themselves Alabama 3. Alabama 3 were dismissed widely in the media as a novelty act, the band eventually signed to One Little Indian records in 1997 and the debut album 'Exile On Cardharbour Lane' was released.

Since then Alabama 3 have had 6 studio albums which includes last years M.O.R which received strong critical acclaim. Fans include authors Stephen King and Irvine Welsh who has been quoted referring to them as “ the first band I could ever dance to in the daytime hours without chemical assistance. That says a lot”. 11 years on and Alabama 3 are releasing 'Hits And Exit Wounds' in celebration of a long, esteemed and wholly unique career that has seen them dubbed “the best live band in Britain”. This retrospective album runs to 18 tracks and constitutes highlights of there career plus a collaboration with Orbital on 'Ska’d For Life'.
 
Opening the superb collection of funky beats and gospel melodies, 'Hypo Full Of Love (The 12 Step Plan)' the renowned party-ready tune which draws you in with its lyrics tempting and teasing you into believing that you need this tune in your life, just like the drug references heavily portrayed throughout the lyrics. As this wets your appetite you are quickly merged into without a doubt there best known track to date. 'Woke Up This Morning' is widely recognised as the Sopranos Theme Tune, however when played in full the track lends more depth with its spoken intro and “rap” interlude over acid bass and vocals not unlike heroes Johnny Cash and Hank Williams “ …You woke up this morning, The world turned upside down, Thing's ain't been the same, Since the blues walked into town”.