This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Plenty of bluegrass bands use jugs, scrub-boards, washtubs and other everyday implements to make music. But Split Lip Rayfield have got to be the first to use a bass built from the gas tank from a ’65 Ford.
That’s the eye-catching calling-card of these Kansas pickers, and trust me, it’s a sight to see Jeff Eaton rockin’ out on his “Stitchgiver.” But the gizmo is more than just a visual gimmick; it does a jim-dandy job of providing a rock-solid bottom end to anchor the Lippers’ punky bluegrass stylings. Like The Bad Livers, these good ol’ boys combine the proficiency and authenticity of a Grand Ole Opry outfit — their band’s mandolin, banjo, harmonica and guitar would fit right in — with the fever-pitched attack and gonzo attitude of the house band at the dingiest punk club. And let’s face it, songs about truckers (PB24SS), booze (Drink Lotsa Whisky) and women whut dun you wrong (Lover Please Come Home) are never out of style no mattter where you go. And no matter what you play them on.
