North Mississippi Allstars

Hernando (Songs of the South)

A blasphemer’s disclaimer: If Led Zeppelin never pulls off a reunion tour, fans of metallic blues will still have the North Mississippi Allstars. On Hernando, the Memphis trio’s first studio disc since 2005, Luther and Cody Dickinson again turn to paterfamilias producer James Luther Dickinson to anchor their efforts. The results are mixed: The band can’t seem to decide whether they want to honor their blues heritage or embrace the noodle rock that’s made them festival faves. A winning take on Champion Jack Dupree’s “I’d Love to Be a Hippy” points to the tension between singing the blues and letting your freak flag fly. Longtime fans will also enjoy “Shake” and “Come Go With Me,” but then brother Cody’s rave-up “Mizzip” suggests it’s truly time to rock & roll. (Friday, March 14, Opal Divine’s Freehouse, 1am.)

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This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

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