Back of Your Mind

Some bands' weepy waltzes and two-step tales of misfortune and misbehavior are just honky-tonk fantasy. The Domino Kings, however, speak from experience: former bassist Brian Capps quit the band prior to the recording of The Back of Your Mind, but not before discussing his differences with guitarist Steve Newman in a song-worthy barroom brawl. In the aftermath, the erstwhile trio became a quartet, as Newman and holdover drummer Les Gallier added Newman's cousin Jimmy Ginnings on rhythm guitar and ex-Shaver sideman Bert Parnell on bass. Captured by no-nonsense producer Lou Whitney (Skeletons, Morells), the new lineup cranks out retro tonk and classic pop that's predictably more robust than on Life and 20, particularly when the band is joined by guests like the Star Room Boys' Johnny Neff (whose caramel steel-guitar tone drips from Newman's "No More Trying") and Skeletons piano man Kelly Brown (who carries the melody of "What Do You Do About the Ring"). --Anders Smith Lindall