Rhythm Bomb's best selling album is finally out on vinyl, strictly limited to 500 copies

It's been a long time since we rock 'n' rolled! Ten years to be exact when
considering Ruby Ann's seminal record, Mama's Back. Celebrating a decade in
existence, parent company Rhythm Bomb Records, saluting their own
milestone of twenty years in business, is affording special treatment to a
'bestselling' album by issuing Mama's Back on vinyl. Released on wax for the
first time therefore, Mama's Back lives up to its title and gets a chance to do it
all again in 2023.
Deserving of such attention, and not only for its previous sales figures
generating mindboggling statistics at the end of the financial year, no, more
importantly because of the critical acclaim Mama's Back received upon its
initial release in the UK and Europe for its contents of innovative renditions of
vintage period songs, and with a smattering of original compositions as well.
When experiencing Mama's Back for the first time, it transports the listener to
a land and time that aficionados of the golden years of music (namely the 50s)
never forgot but, unfortunately, never had the opportunity to witness first-
hand either. Step forward Ruby Ann and her interpretation of a landmark
period in the history of music by reproducing an authentic 50s sound, but also
stamping her own personality throughout Mama's Back. A large part of her
authority is contained and demonstrated by a voice that is lined in silver and
gold, and with comparisons made with several of the pioneers of rockabilly and
associated female rockers with, most conspicuously, Wanda Jackson.
With plenty of fire in the belly as illustrated by many of the tracks chalked up
on Mama's Back, it is often a full-blooded and gutsy affair. A confident record,
and one that, despite serious setbacks on the road to seeking a lasting
connection with the opposite sex, it knows what it desires. The song titles
alone provide plenty of clues as to the Heartbreak Hotel here, but in reply,
Mama's Back is not a self-pitying cry, nor is it weak to the touch because it's
never unwitting to the experiences unfurling. In fact, it can be defiant, a record
that's not afraid to move on and seek fresh experiences as indicated by the
Elvis inspired, and Eddie Bush penned, 'Baby I Don't Care', to glimmer of hope
via noirish edge generated by the instruments of 'Your Mama's Here', before
finding solace during a souped-up reading of Lance Roberts' 'I'm Gonna Have
Myself A Ball'.
The omission of four tracks from the original album release, does not diminish
the overall quality and listening experience of Mama's Back. By formatting the
track list to vinyl, the ten songs scrutinised and selected for their inclusion,
provides an even closer insight to the melancholy at the heart of this record.
With experienced hands-on deck including Axel Praefcke (production)
contributing 'Knocked Out, No Love', and additional drums/guitars, Mama's
Back was recorded at Lightning Recorders (Berlin) with rest of assembled cast
of Carsten Harbeck (Bass), Ike Stoye (Guitar/Piano), Michael Kirscht (Lead
Guitar), and Round Up Boys (Backing Vocals). Despite a successful working
relationship, Mama's Back is, and remains, Ruby Ann's record because of the
presence she exerts over this album by injecting its contents with a sincerity,
and therefore giving the impression of these songs as entirely her own
creations. Remarkable! And, even now, Mama's Back still resonates with a
fiery passion that renders it a thoroughly compelling listen and one that
refuses to be ignored as it hollers, 'Mama's Back!'.
Nathan Olsen-Haines (Rhythm Bomb Records)

Additional Details

Label: Rhythm Bomb Records

Genre: Country

Run Time: 22:06 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 07/21/23

UPC: 4260072722620