Hopping Aboard The Vacation Train: Night Ridin' Album Review
Alright, let’s talk about The Vacation Train Night Ridin’ by Doc Starks And The Nightriders. This little gem from 1955 is a slice of pure Funk/Soul goodness with some serious Rhythm & Blues vibes thrown in for good measure. Released under the Sound label, it’s one of those records that just feels like it was made to make you move—no frills, no pretense, just raw grooves straight outta the US.
Now, this album might not have a ton of tracks (seriously, there are only two), but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in sheer vibe. Let’s dive into the tunes, shall we?
First up is “The Vacation Train.” Man, oh man, this track slaps harder than your grandma’s secret fried chicken recipe. From the get-go, the horns hit you like a surprise party you didn’t know you needed. Then comes Doc Starks’ voice—it's smooth as butter on a hot biscuit, y’know? He’s got this way of pulling you into his world where everything’s cool and carefree, like hopping a train bound for somewhere magical. You can almost smell the pine trees whipping past and feel the wind messing up your hair while listening. It sticks in my head because it’s impossible not to imagine yourself cruising along with zero worries, even if I’ve never been on a vacation train in my life.
Then there’s “Night Ridin’,” which flips the mood just enough to keep things interesting. If “The Vacation Train” is all sunshine and open roads, this one’s more moonlight and mystery. The bassline here is so thick you could spread it on toast, and the guitar licks? Chef’s kiss. There’s something hypnotic about how it builds—slow at first, then BAM, it pulls you right into its groove like quicksand. I remember this track because it feels late-night intimate, like when you’re driving alone with nothing but the hum of tires on asphalt and stars above. It’s kinda haunting in a beautiful way, like an old photograph you can’t quite place but still love looking at.
What strikes me most about these songs is how they transport you without needing fancy production tricks or Auto-Tune nonsense. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they were too busy making it roll smoother than ever. And honestly? That simplicity is refreshing. It reminds me that sometimes less really is more—especially when you’re laying down soulful beats designed to make people sway.
So yeah, The Vacation Train Night Ridin’ may be short, but damn, does it pack a punch. Listening to it feels like finding a dusty old vinyl in your grandpa’s attic and realizing it’s gold. It’s funky, soulful, and effortlessly cool—all wrapped up in two unforgettable tracks.
Final thought? If Doc Starks and The Nightriders were around today, I reckon they’d be playing sold-out shows in underground clubs, keeping the spirit of real music alive. Or maybe they’d just chill on a porch somewhere, sipping lemonade and laughing at how everyone else is overcomplicating things. Either way, count me in.
