Description
Lucky Pierre – You Got To Go Low To Get Low – Vinyl Record
You Got to Go Low to Get Low is a 1979 album by American rock band Lucky Pierre, known for blending country rock, blues, and hard rock in a style that reflects the grit and soul of late ‘70s rock music. Released under the First American label, this album showcases Lucky Pierre’s versatility and knack for storytelling through songs that mix raw emotion with energetic instrumentation. The album remains a hidden gem for fans of classic rock, capturing a unique fusion of influences from Southern rock, blues, and even a touch of honky-tonk.
Lucky Pierre was active in the vibrant American rock scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, a time when genres were often blending in new ways. You Got to Go Low to Get Low embodies this spirit of fusion, with tracks that feature strong guitar riffs, harmonica melodies, and storytelling lyrics that draw from country and blues traditions. Band members Keith Wohlford, Steve Busby, and Cordell Covert were central to the album’s sound, each bringing a distinct musical background that contributed to the album’s eclectic mix of styles.
The title track, “You Got to Go Low to Get Low,” reflects the band’s approach to songwriting, emphasizing resilience and the lessons learned through hardship—a recurring theme in rock and blues. Throughout the album, the band explores themes of lost love, resilience, and freedom, crafting songs that resonate with the struggles and hopes of everyday life. The music itself is layered with rock’s characteristic electric guitar riffs, punctuated by harmonica and even elements of country-style steel guitar.
Key Tracks
“Red Dog Magic” – Opening the album, this track features a gritty, bluesy melody with heavy guitar and harmonica. The song sets a rebellious tone, capturing the rough-and-tumble spirit of Southern rock with a memorable riff that runs throughout.
“Inspiration” – A track that blends rock and country influences, “Inspiration” is one of the album’s more reflective moments. It features harmonized vocals and a mellow tempo, showcasing the band’s ability to shift seamlessly from gritty rock to introspective balladry.
“The Ballad of Billy Bowen” – This song tells the story of Billy Bowen, a character who embodies the album’s themes of perseverance and redemption. With soulful guitar work and poignant lyrics, the track captures a blend of blues and country storytelling.
“South of the Border” – This track is heavily influenced by Southwestern and Mexican musical elements, adding a unique touch to the album. With a slower, almost cinematic feel, “South of the Border” brings depth and variety to the album’s soundscape.
“Young Love” – With a nostalgic feel, “Young Love” is a faster, upbeat track that reflects on the highs and lows of romance. This track’s catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics make it one of the album’s standout pieces.
“White Lightnin'” – This song leans into the rockabilly and honky-tonk side of Lucky Pierre’s sound, creating a high-energy track that feels at home in a late-night bar setting. The song’s upbeat tempo and twangy guitar riffs reflect the country rock influence that runs through the album.
“Hey Baby” – A cover of Bruce Channel’s classic “Hey Baby,” this track allows Lucky Pierre to show off their blues chops with a familiar tune, reinterpreted in their own style with raw vocals and heavy guitar backing.
“Dirty Cocaine” – Closing the album on an intense note, “Dirty Cocaine” dives into darker themes, with gritty guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that capture the album’s overall ethos of resilience and survival.
You Got to Go Low to Get Low was recorded with a variety of additional musicians, adding depth and texture to the album. Jim “YY” Hendricks contributes harmonica and keyboard, providing a bluesy edge, while Ron Gardner’s saxophone and Kevin Engbritson’s steel guitar bring unique instrumental layers that diversify the album’s sound. The combination of guitar-heavy arrangements, harmonica, and steel guitar gives the record a rich, multi-dimensional feel, blending rock’s power with country and blues nuances.
The album was recorded to capture a raw, authentic sound that reflects the energy of Lucky Pierre’s live performances. The production emphasizes the natural reverb of the instruments, providing an unpolished, real sound that feels organic and true to the era’s rock ethos. Each track is given room to breathe, allowing the interplay between instruments to shine through and create an immersive listening experience.
Though You Got to Go Low to Get Low did not reach mainstream success, it has since become a respected piece among rock enthusiasts and collectors. The album’s unique blend of genres, coupled with its unfiltered production and powerful storytelling, has earned it a cult following among fans of classic rock, blues rock, and Southern rock. Over the years, the record has been recognized as a hidden gem, appreciated for its authenticity and its reflection of the themes that resonated in American rock during the late ‘70s.
You Got to Go Low to Get Low stands as a testament to Lucky Pierre’s ability to capture the American rock spirit in a way that is both grounded and reflective. The album’s themes of perseverance, love, and self-discovery resonate across generations, making it an enduring piece of late ‘70s rock. For fans of blues-infused rock and authentic storytelling, this album offers a nostalgic yet timeless listening experience that highlights Lucky Pierre’s contribution to the era’s musical landscape.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Red Dog Magic
Inspiration
The Way I Am
The Ballard of Billy Bowen
South of the Border
Young Love
White Lightnin’
When Your Best Friend’s Gone Away
Hey Baby
Dirty Cocaine
