Toucan do it Too Amazing Rhythm Aces

At last—a country music album for those who hate country music. The Amazing Rhythm Aces have put together here a quality album of subtle yet genuine country songs.

Most people should know them from their singles "Third rate romance" and "The end is not in sight". Most of the tracks follow the same pattern - ballads, often funny, sometimes comically sad like "Third rate romance". The one tread running through them is the life of common people and especially of their relationships. For me this is the great redeeming feature of country music.

The music itself? Without exception is skillfully arranged and sensitively played. There are no fast rocky numbers—most are laid back with a strong bass rhythm running through them (commonly syncopated) and hence the name of the group.

To vary music that would otherwise become dull and tedious, the ARA employ skillful 'ace' lead/slide guitar and organ breaks. These are all done in the good traditional country way but at their best these breaks excell and really "make" the song. This is especially true on their singles where they achieve chart success with material which would normally get nowhere 'top of the pops' wise.

Above all ARA music is charming in a quaintly rugged sort of way. It sure as hell grows on you..

Although "Toucan do it too" is not a 'great' record it certainly is a very good one.

—David Murray.