Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive premiere of "Killed Them Both," a new song by Wayne “The Train” Hancock. The track—which you can stream below—is from Hancock's new album, Slingin’ Rhythm, which will be released October 28 via Bloodshot Records.
On "Killed Them Both," Hancock gets to the chilling point ASAP with a bluntness that’d probably make Johnny Paycheck smile. Listeners might initially miss the tragedy in the lyrics because the song's back beat will have them heading for the dance floor.
Slingin’ Rhythm is a finely honed, day-in-the-life slice of juke-joint rhythm sitting in the sweet spot of American music somewhere between country, hillbilly, jazz and western swing. It was produced by Lloyd Maines (Uncle Tupelo, Dixie Chicks, Ray Wylie Hubbard).
"Lloyd is a highly respected pedal steel guitar and dobro player, so we had a good time 'talking steel',” says Rose Sinclair, Hancock's "old school" non-pedal steel guitar player. "Lloyd had a specific idea for the steel solo on this song, and taught it to me on the spot. I’m always up for learning new techniques, so this was a bonus."
The song—and the entire album—also features a hefty serving of tasty fretwork from guitarists Bart Weinburg and Greg Harkins, players whose contrasting but equally rootsy styles come together to create pure magic on Slingin’ Rhythm. “2 String Boogie” and Merle Travis’ “Divorce Me C. O. D.” bounce along on crisp, jazzy guitar licks, referencing Chet Atkins and Hark Garland right on up through Deke Dickerson.
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Slingin’ Rhythm Track List: 01. Slingin’ Rhythm 02. Dirty House Blues 03. Killed Them Both 04. Wear Out Your Welcome 05. Two String Boogie 06. Over Easy 07. Small Bouquet of Roses 08. Divorce Me C.O.D. 09. Dog Day Blues 10. Love You Always 11. Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine 12. Slingin’ Rhythm Intro
Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.
