I’m wondering how far back you have to go for a sound to be ‘retro.’ Probably further back than I want to go, so let’s just use the word ‘classic.’ The Hippie Cowboys bring a classic sound into the new millennium with their 2003 release “BACKWARDS FORWARDS.” The music takes me back to a time when the radio airwaves were filled with ZZ Top, Bon Jovi, and Whitesnake. Now this is no sound-alike band, but the attitude and feel of the music mimics the good-time experience of those classic rock sounds. Still, Jeff Young, Lane Jackson, and Scott McMahon add a driving freshness with contemporary lyrics and innovative musical maneuvers that give this disc a new again – old again flavor. I guess you could say it’s almost backward and forward. Gee. I’m always impressed when the drummer is also the lead singer, so kudos to Jeff Young for that double duty. As with most three piece combos, the bass player has a tall order filling the bottom, and McMahon is adept at doing so. Jackson fills the middle with rhythm and lead as well as anyone. Billy Gibbons would be proud. This is the kind of band you love to go see perform live. The high energy music coupled with lyrics you can actually understand make it a kickin’ match. Get the disc today for only $12.99! You won’t find it for less!