Jimmie's Chicken Shack Still Worth a Long Drive

    20 years ago the band I was in shared a bill with a band called Ten Times Big from Annapolis.  Several years later, the singer, Jimmie Haha went on to form Jimmie’s Chicken Shack.  20 years later I’ve aged a lot, Jimmie hasn’t.

    Last Friday, I trekked up to Frederick to see Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at Champions.  I had a chance to sit down and chat with Jimmie about the band, the new CD, Fail on Cue, and life in general.   After almost 15 years with the band, Jimmie says that he’s having more fun than ever.   He attributes this enduring bliss to the band’s current line-up, who he describes as drama-free.  Jimmie is pushing 40, is soon to be married and is the band’s sole remaining original member.  After enjoying national stardom and major label shenanigans, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack has finally freed themselves from their previous record contract and has released Fail on Cue on their own Indy label, Fowl.   Jimmie still enjoys doing what he does best, performing.  Being a bit older hasn’t stymied his enthusiasm.  He proudly admits that he hasn’t had a day job in over a decade and has no plans to get one anytime soon.  When asked how the band maintains its fan base after all these years, Jimmie explains that he still sees some of faces but is amazed how many young people still come out to see the band play.

    While watching the bands set, I was impressed with the raw energy that the band still possessed on stage.  While they were there to perform for the crowd, it was obvious that they were still performing for themselves and doing what they love to do most.  The music and the performance were still high energy and engaging.

    The bands, seventh CD, Fail on Cue provides a balanced combination of musical styles.  From the heavier side, to a few mellow tunes, to a cover of Fugazi’s, “Waiting Room” that is done as about as good as it could be done without Ian MacKay himself, Fail on Cue provides listeners with an enjoyable eclectic variety.  I particularly enjoyed the tracks, “Mutha Luvas” with its reggae guitar rhythms and  “Another Great Idea” which has memorable lyrical hooks and definite radio playability.  After listening to the CD a few times through, I found myself singing along during the catchy hooks.

    Jimmie’s Chicken Shack has perfected the knack of staying relevant in the musical mainstream without abandoning their own creative principles while still having a good time doing it.

    Jimmie's Chicken Shack's new CD, Fail On Cue can be ordered at www.jimmieschickenshack.com.  Also check out www.myspace.com/jimmieschickenshack for up coming concert dates.