The "twangcore" and "Americana" boom of today owes a large debt to the shaggy twangers and no-hit wonders of yesteryear -- this section looks at the hippiebilly and stoner bands and a few odd, random artists from the 1960s, '70s and early '80s, back before there was anything called "alt-country." This page covers the letter "D."
Charlie Daniels Band -- see artist profile
Deadly Earnest & The Honky Tonk Heroes "...The Honky Tonk Heroes" (Wheeler, 1979) (LP)
Deadly Earnest & The Honky Tonk Heroes "II" (Wheeler, 1980) (LP)
Delaney & Bonnie "Delaney & Bonnie: Genesis" (GNP Crescendo, 1971) (LP)
The husband-wife duo of guitarist Delaney Bramlett and singer Bonnie Bramlett were major players in the roots-rock scene of the early 1970s, best known for their work with The Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton and Leon Russell. Their overall sound, especially early on, was more soul and rock oriented, but they also brought a subtle country vibe into the mix, which Clapton in particular took to the top of the pop charts. This set gathers early solo work by Delaney Bramlett, although a few tracks feature Bonnie as well -- this album actually came out after they'd become famous, so the release date is a little misleading. Worth checking out, though!
Delaney & Bonnie "Home" (Stax, 1969)
The duo's debut, released by the soul-oriented Stax label. This early stuff is more overtly R&B and funk-flavored, with tight horn arrangements and robust rhythmic punch typical of the Stax scene... Later on a little more twang would come into their sound.
Delaney & Bonnie "Accept No Substitute" (Elektra, 1969)
Delaney & Bonnie "On Tour With Eric Clapton" (Atco, 1970)
Delaney & Bonnie "On Tour With Eric Clapton (Box Set)" (Rhino, 2010)
A deluxe-edition, 4-CD boxed set...
Delaney & Bonnie "To Bonnie From Delaney" (Atco, 1970)
Delaney & Bonnie "Motel Shot" (Atco, 1971)
Delaney & Bonnie "D&B Together" (Columbia-CBS, 1972)
Delaney & Bonnie "The Best Of Delaney & Bonnie" (Atco, 1972/Rhino, 1990)
The Dillards - see artist discography
Jimmy Discount "A Bargain Every Day" (Original Intent) (LP)
Jimmy Discount "Sunride Breakdown" (No Label) (LP)
Duke And The Drivers "Rollin' On" (ABC, 1976) (LP)
Fake hippie country from a Boston-based longhair boogie band... Actually, it's not country at all, more like latter-day whiteboy boogie rock/R&B, along the lines of the Blues Brothers, but for some reason the band chose to record in anonymity, with the cover art looking like a parody of the CB-trucker fad that was then current in the country charts... Doesn't have much to do with the music on the album, though, which is pretty spazzy and unremarkable. I guess if I'd been really drunk or doing a lot of coke back in the '70s, this would seem like fun music to party to, but several decades later, it doesn't seem like much to cheer about. Note to country fans: don't fall for the packaging -- this ain't got no twang.
Dusty Chaps "Honky Tonk Music" (Bandoleer, 1975) (LP)
Dusty Chaps "Honky Tonk Music" (Capitol, 1977) (LP)
Dusty Chaps "Domino Joe" (Capitol, 1978) (LP)
Dusty Chaps "Honky Tonk Music/Domino Joe" (Zyx, 2008)
A CD reissue of two '70s albums from this dimly-remembered, novelty-oriented hippiebilly outfit, Tucson, Arizona's answer to the Lost Gonzo Band... I used to hear a bunch of these songs on the legendary FM freeform station, KFAT -- "Don't Haul Bricks On 66," "Honky Tonk Music," "Too Many Pretty Woman (To Love Just One)" "Keep Your Hands Off Her Stranger," "Chile Today, Hot Tamale" -- and while the lead singer still isn't the most robust vocalist you'll ever hear, these is certainly a singular batch of songs, stuff that only these guys could have come up with, or pulled off so well. Worth checking out, but probably mostly as a nostalgia trip for folks who remember these guys from 'way back when.
