JD & the Straight Shot

JD & the Straight Shot have a reputation for being a blues-rock/roots rock/Americana type of band, but on Right on Time, an additional element asserts itself in a noticeable way: country-rock. Stylistically, Jim Dolan's outfit hasn't given anything up on this 2008 release; blues-rock, roots rock, and Americana are still part of the picture, but there is no overlooking the honky tonk influence that asserts itself on some of the tracks -- especially "Long White Cadillac" and "What Do We Do Now." Dolan and his colleagues have definitely become more diverse and unpredictable; that said, they have no problem maintaining their earthy, down-home bar band outlook throughout the 43-minute CD. And that bar band aesthetic yields enjoyable results whether they are moving in a blues-rock direction on "Lie No Better," the dark-humored "Gonna Kill That Dog" (which is bound to freak out some PETA members), and "Train's a Coming"; making some Memphis soul moves on "Leap of Faith"; or taking a somewhat Willie Nelson-ish approach on the melancholy opener, "This Kind of Life" (which has a bit of a Tex-Mex edge). Right on Time doesn't adhere to one specific style, but the thing that all of these songs have in common is their rootsiness; from blues-rock to Americana to country-rock, this is a roots album, pure and simple. And while this disc doesn't pretend to be innovative in any way, it is a worthwhile demonstration of Dolan's ability to broaden his focus without sacrificing any of his bar band appeal. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide