First let me say you gotta love these guys! Yes, I am biased there is no doubt about it but as we continue to witness first hand the ongoing evolution of a tremendous band, how can you not! Their last album, Sweet 'N' Ripe, contained the rough edge that many characterized as "well, they’ve left Beach Music behind". I don’t think that was the case and anyone saying that needs to listen to this latest CD. The key point regarding Sneakin’ Out Back – it contains a portion of that somewhat hard edged sound that Coastline has become famous for – emulating the soulful blues of artists such as Delbert, John Hiatt, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Robertson, Paul Carrack, Subdudes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd etc. – while blending in the mellowness of Beach Music without relying on a bunch of worn out cover tunes to accomplish a strong overall lease.

The album encompasses thirteen tunes – nine of them are originals written or co-written by Jim Quick, several so imaginative that it leaves you to wonder “how does this guy think up this stuff?” The CD leads off with the Quick written Little Bit Of Money, a rousing, fast paced story about a one night stand that starts out as a ride on I-40 and turns into a high dollar spending spree that ends all too abruptly. Love can be fleeting! Another original, Don’t You Want to Come Too?, has a classic smoothie sound talking about the rat race of climbing the corporate ladder of work and life that pretty much entices one to seek another alternative!! Jim pays tribute to legendary beach music artist Buddy Skipper and his Jetty Jumpers with Jump That Jetty, which turns in to a great shag tune. Speaking of the corporate world (as I just did a few lines ago), I once worked in the same coat and tie organization as former Jetty Jumpers guitarist Bill (Sparky) Sparks, who was with them when the group disbanded in 1965 (I know, worthless trivia). Another original, Turn Me Over, is pure down home soul that recalls days gone by that we all can reminisce and remember. Sugar Cookies is a jump boogie number that you can visualize vintage Jim Quick on as you hear it – driving hard over the entire stage.

The CD contains two songs written by nationally renowned rockin’ blues guitarist Tinsley Ellis (Callin’ and Somebody) – not only did the band cover the tunes but they also got Tinsley to perform on them! Callin’ is one of my two favorites on the CD, a smooth groover with a great rhythm track behind it. Another outstanding cover is their rendition of Do It, a heavy duty Delbert McClinton written song from his first solo album in 1975 that has otherwise been long forgotten. Also on board is the Aaron and Naomi Neville written I’m Waiting At The Station. The piano intro sounds like it came straight out of the Allen Touissant / Marshall Sehorn New Orleans productions of the '60’s!

It’s classic Coastline – soul, funk, blues, boogie AND beach while maintaining their rhythmic rockin’ roots. Go see them sing these songs on stage every chance you get!