The Derailers, almost imperceptibly and perhaps unconsciously, have moved from their longtime Buck Owens meridian to an undeniable Lennon/McCartney axis -- a move that makes clear how much those icons had in common. With singer Tony Villanueva and guitarist-vocalist Brian Hofeldt still anchoring the group (bass player Ed Adkins and drummer Scott Matthews make up the rhythm section), the band is out supporting its new Genuine (pronounced jen-you-WHINE -- the group is quite specific about this). The latest blends the group's love of honky-tonk with new attractions, including a cover of Jim Lauderdale's "The Way to My Heart" that would fit comfortably into almost any country playlist. The band even gives the bluegrass gospel number "The Wheel" a credible ride, but songs such as "Leave a Message, Juanita" and "Boomerang Heart" prove that the Derailers haven't abandoned their honky-tonk roots. With Rex Hobart and the Misery Boys also on the bill, this one is as close to genuine as it gets -- at least this far east of Bakersfield.
