Let's Git It On

Album Review

Two surprising thoughts occur upon the first listen to Let's Git It On: first, Jerry Reed sounds gruff and rough, the sum total of his age. Second, apart from that gravelly growl, it would be easy to mistake Let's Git It On for an album he recorded during his '70s peak — not just because he cheerfully rewrites several of his classic songs, but because the music is as lively and vibrant as "Amos Moses." In particular, Reed's guitar playing sounds sprightly and nimble as it ever did, giving this music a genuine kick and more punch than anybody would expect from Reed in his sixties. But what's also surprising is that the songs are often quite strong. At times, the slower songs can get a little treacly, but there aren't many of them and they're far overshadowed by songs like "The Jerry Springer Show," which finds Reed's ribald wit as sharp and goofy as it was on "She Got the Goldmine." This is as silly and fun as anything he recorded in the '70s, and it makes for a fine latter-day effort from this living legend.