Highspeed Hayride SELF-TITLED ©2008 Independently Released Review by Lucky Boyd There comes a defining moment in every musical career. It’s usually when bands I’ve known for years stop taking my phone calls, but nevertheless it is that point when an act makes the transition from regional favorite to an elevated level of stardom. Having seen this band since their first appearance on a flat-bed trailer in the middle of a cow pasture in Cuero, Texas, I can say without equivocation this album is that defining moment for Highspeed Hayride. Gene Moreno has come into his own as a vocalist, conjuring up sounds with a comfort and familiarity not heard since Mark Miller’s Star Search days. As a group, Moreno, along with David Stockton and Matt Groll, have placed a high demand on themselves vocally and have hit the proverbial groove. Harmonies that rival Little Texas with arrangements that rival Diamond Rio and Perfect Stranger are the order of the day for the current incarnation of Highspeed. Billy Jo High produces and captures what no other has been able to, bringing to the surface the talent that has been honed like polished steel for more than half a decade. Moreno bleeds quarter notes when cut and his writing has matured with time. This disc is as good as anything released this year, be it Texas or Nashville, and radio should take to it quickly. Fans will make it popular instantly as each cut is a passionate dance with the very attributes that make this band a favorite in every haunt they play. To take a musical career to the next level, a band needs a killer album. This is the one for Highspeed Hayride. The borders of Texas won’t hold them once the news gets out. I hope they still take my calls. Stats: All cuts written by Moreno; 12 tracks; produced by Billy Jo High, engineered by Adam Odor; mastered by Kevin Bartley; appearing: David Stockton, Matt Groll, Gene Moreno, Arty Passes, Michael Fitch, Billy Jo High, Dan Johnson, Dwayne Boehnemann; 2 color cover and disc screen, 4/2/2 insert, jewel case, replicated, running time approx. Previous releases: Highspeed Hayride ”THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW” ©2006 Independently Released The follow-up to LIGHTS OF TOWN is a reiteration of much of the material as Highspeed Hayride hits their maturity in stride. A good sophomore project, this disc brings HH one step closer to being a major force on the Texas music scene. Highspeed Hayride ”LIGHTS OF TOWN” ©2004 Independently Released Review by Lucky Boyd A song about fishing, a song about riding bulls, and a song about running from the law would be enough for me, but it doesn’t stop there. Highspeed Hayride kick it into another gear and give it the gas. As their name suggests, they sing about the simpler pleasures of a life lived at full throttle. They even have a song about it. Yup! Hard up for a title, one cut is called “Love Song in G” but the song is not lacking in substance, and neither are the other titles on this eleven-cut gem. (ten songs; track 1 is a clever intro to the album) The project, “LIGHTS OF TOWN” is the long-awaited debut from this south Texas mainstay. The band has garnered a huge regional following and it’s no wonder. Their party atmosphere is perfect for their fun-loving fans and the bulk of the songwriting is relevant and meaningful. The rest is just plain Texas fun! If you love the live shows, this CD will hold you over until the next performance. If you’re new to Highspeed Hayride, welcome aboard… and hang on tight!
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