Ruby James, with roots in Nashville, TN and Door County, WI brings us a new album that is a reclamation of modern rock’s roots in blues, soul, and vintage swagger. Call It Rock and Roll, released via Mule Kick Records balances new compositions with previously unreleased tracks and guest collaborations.
The album, starts with ‘Voodoo Queen,’ which opens with a Stones-era guitar riff and sets the tone for the rest of the album with its dark-infused blues rock tone. This track is all about intuition, personal authority, and reclaiming ones’ own narrative. Rather than relying on old occult tropes, she frames “voodoo” as internal magic- trusting your gut, owning your own power, and shedding outside influences that are toxic. This is a boundary-setting anthem and I am all for it.
A standout track is absolutely the cover of the 1960’s LaVern Baker classic, ‘Bumblebee.’ Rockabilly icon, Rosie Flores on lead guitar adds a stinging, 1950’s surf-influenced guitar solo while David Jimenez layers baritone guitar underneath to give the track some extra weight. James’ raspy, smoky vocal texture blends blues-soul vulnerability with full-throttled rock bravado and vocal dynamics that turn the lyrics into an active story of empowerment.
As soon as ‘Punk Rock Love Song’ hit my ears, my interest was piqued. I may have audibly gasped, it was that good. This raw, uninhibited power ballad is a reimagining of the classic 2003 Supersuckers anthem, ‘Pretty Fucked Up.’ James brought in Supersuckers frontman, Eddie Spaghetti himself to co-produce the track and share dual vocal duties. The duet pairs James’ smoky, soul-drenched rasp against Eddie Spaghetti’s signature gritty, drawling punk voice. The whole vibe is a country-punk power ballad; a love letter to the messy, imperfect reality of relationships, touring life, and growing older without losing your edge.
‘Call It Rock And Roll’ is a triumph of modern roots-rock. Across seven uninhibited tracks, James proves that genuine rock and roll doesn’t need reinventing- it just need heart and grit.
Upcoming Live Shows:
14 August- Nashville, TN at The Five Spot
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