Tuesday, Jan. 3; Launchpad (21-and-over), $15: The hardest working man in Punkabilly, The Reverend Horton Heat, is making his annual appearance in Albuquerque, and he’s out to prove that, as far as grimy boot-stompin’ licks that you can booze to go, they don’t come any better than the Rev’s. 2004's Revival is a blistering reminder of the Reverend’s roots and commitment to his live, loud-ass show. The album comes complete with some new licks, including a mystery track that, although its name remains unknown to the Reverend’s loyal listeners, is sure to kick you in the teeth with a steel-stringed size 12.
Revival was recorded the same year that the Rev. lost his mother and had his first child. The record’s lyrics reflect these dramatic changes but don’t loose the bar-brawl atmosphere of previous “Heat” LPs. It wasn’t long after the album’s release that the Reverend and the rest of his triumphant trio got back to their tour-happy ways, and are now back to playing around 150 shows a year.
