September 19th marks the release of " Manifold"- the new album from the Beat Farmers. Who are the Beat Farmers? They are a band from San Diego, California and have been playing great rock and roll music for over 12 years. This four piece band offers a type of music and show that refuses to be defined. A BFer concert gives you a varied musical experience that draws from numerous influences. When a band has two lead guitarists, three lead vocalists, and great song writing, it is easy to see why there are so many influences to this band.

"Manifold" is a departure of sorts. It was self-produced and recorded in the friendly confines of San Diego. Their trademark guitar sound is evident on this album yet, for some reason, it sounds different. This album has a "harder edge" to it and features some new BFer combinations. It starts out with the Jerry Raney (guitars, vocals) penned song "Memphis To Nixon". This song flat out rocks.

"Doubts About Love" follows. A nice song that asks a question that we all must answer one day. "Mystery" is dark, slow, and cool and shows off Joey Harris' (guitars, vocals) song writing abilities. You may ask "What about Country Dick? Where's his songs?", well, you will not be disappointed by the next generation of Country Dick favorites. As the drummer/vocalist (and leader of beer runs), Country Dick uses his deep voice to unleash a shot at country and western songs. "Whale Oil Beef Hooked" and "Beer Ain't Drinkin'" follow later and are a good time.

"Blue Radio" is another Raney rocker and "Got It Bad" (the first single possibly) starts off with a funky Rolle induced bass riff and continues into a tasty little number. "Texas Heat" features the first time duet between Joey and Dick. This acoustic song is a very mellow and paints a vivid picture. Yes, Dick is serious and it works. It works very well!

If you ever wanted to know how I feel about where I live right now, give "Good For You" a listen. "White Veil" and "Can't Remember" are pleasing songs. "I Could Be Anything" is another rockin' tune "(love that slide guitar!).

While Bob Dylan is one of my favorite artists, "Positively 4th Street" is remade very nicely on this album. "Distant Horizon" has been in and out of the live show over the past few years and now is finally committed to digital.

The Beat Farmers continue to push the musical envelope by playing music that needs to be heard. The combination of rock, blues, country, audacious humor cannot be defined. It must be heard. It is time for radio and music fans to wake up and try something different. Remember, different is good and the Beat Farmers are just that GOOD!
The Beat Farmers are on tour now to support the release of "Manifold". To find out more about the band, join the infrequent BFer e-mail list by contacting Ken at: kdrew@erols.com

For those of you with WWW (World Wide Web) access, the Beat Farmer home page is now open. Although it is still under construction, you can check it out at:

http://SDAM.com/artists/bf/

Please check out the rest of the San Diego Area Music pages as there are many great artists there. Many thanks to Michael Breen for getting the BFer WWW up and running. Country Dick salutes you.

Write the BFers at: PO Box 2128 El Cajon, CA 92021

or call for tour dates: 619-440-1508
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