Beat Farmers Poor & Famous

Although their career came to an abrupt end with the sudden death of drummer/occasional singer Country Dick Montana, The Beat Farmers were one of roots rock's most beloved but unsung combos. Boasting a trademark double-barrel attack, their classic lineup of singer-guitarists Jerry Raney and Buddy Blue, bassist Rolle Dexter and drummer Country Dick Montana delivered a winning mix of earnest roots rock with killer riffs. The San Diego Reader summed up their sound best as being, "like Bo Diddley, CCR, Joe South, and the Yardbirds, ham fisted into a food processor, stuffed into a shotgun shell, and blasted into a beer keg at three in the morning." 1989's Poor & Famous, the group's third album for MCA/Curb, included the Mojo Nixon collaboration "King of Sleaze" plus "Hideaway" which was featured in the soundtrack to the film Major League.