The first ever live SCOTS record could not have arrived a moment too soon. Why they waited two decades to show what they do best in recorded form is anyone’s guess. Having seen them live a number of times, I can say that the live album thing compares to the real show to a degree. “Doublewide and Live” is, like the concert itself, a lot of fun to experience. I get in an almost overly festive mood just listening to this disc. While the ever cutesy redneck chic shtick thing may be a tad overwrought at times, it is impossible to deny the talent here.

Rick Miller’s guitar playing is in top form. He picks fast with well placed notes when it comes time to solo. His rhythmic timing is spot on and his occasional use tremolo alongside distortion on tunes such as “Dirt Track Date” almost creates the illusion of two guitarists. He is a commanding vocalist as well. Mary Huff’s vocals add some yin to his yang. Her bass work is very fluid and so fast in some of the tunes here it’s almost inhuman. My fingers cramp up just listening to her finger plucked fifths on tunes like the instrumental “Meximelt”. Thankfully drummer Dave Hartman can keep with her. What a tight group. They seem to just keep getting better with age. It’s been a while since I have experienced a SCOTS concert, and this disc is a reminder of what I have been missing.

- Herring

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