Song#: 0525
Date: 03/14/1981
Debut: 87
Peak: 37
Weeks: 14
Genre: Country
Pop Bits: Sheppard had little success breaking in as an artist in the mid-60s and changed to working behind the scenes in promotions and other industry work. Later in 1972 he stumbled upon a song called "Devil in a Bottle" and shopped it around. No one was biting and he believed in the song, so Sheppard recorded it himself. It got released in 1974 and shot to the top of the chart. It would be the first of twenty-one #1 country hits for him. While he did well in the 70s, it would be the early 80s that would produce his greatest chart hits. This song from his album "I Love 'Em All" would be his highest peaking pop chart entry.
ReduxReview: Well, this song seems to say the guy got around with a lot of ladies - both one nighters and beyond. It's kind of an eerie song, especially with that strange guitar lick that kicks in after the chorus and repeats at the end. Very odd, but kind of makes this memorable. It took me a few listens, but I like this tune. I can't say that I like Sheppard's voice, but the haggard weariness of it fits this song well.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: When Sheppard was struggling in the early days as an artist, he went by the name Brian Stacy. His 1966 single "High School Days" wasn't a national hit, but it did well in the South and won him opening slots on dates with The Beach Boys and others.
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Wow. That guitar noise is really grating, but I kind of love it. So weird. Especially for a country tune.
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