"Bad, Bad Billy" by Snuff

Song#:  1570
Date:  08/20/1983
Debut:  93
Peak:  88
Weeks:  2
Genre:  Country Rock



Pop Bits:  This Virginia-based band began as a trio in the late 70s. By the time they were signed by Curb Records, they had expanded to six members. In 1982, they released their self-titled debut album. One track, "(So This Is) Happy Hour" made a slight dent in the Country chart at #71. Then the following year they released the EP Night Fighter" This single was issued and it quickly came and went on the Pop chart. The results were not encouraging and the band's recording days came to an end. They continued to be a popular act in clubs around the Virginia/DC area.

ReduxReview:  This band has an interesting sound thanks in part to the addition of the violin (and I say violin, because it is not like country fiddlin'). It's rock with a lean towards country and even folk. Almost as if Dexy's were from the US. I'm not surprised that it popped on and off the chart quickly because it is not that strong of a song. However, I do like what they are trying to do here. They just needed some better material. Unfortunately, they didn't get another chance to write or find some.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  As happens with artists whose chart careers are brief, some stay in the music biz while others go on to different careers. Snuff's violinist, Cecil Hooker, got involved in film production not long after the band's shot at the big time ended. He moved over to the technical side and began editing. He quickly became an expert at color/shade enhancing and editing programs such as Flame and Smoke. He has worked on a myriad of commercials, films, music videos, and TV programs such as the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning.

_________________________________________________________________________________