Grady — Y.U. So Shady?

We've seen it happen with increased frequency — out of the ashes of a '90s Can-Rock band comes a new, modernized spinoff. Such is the case with Grady, the new vehicle for former Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson. While traces of Big Sugar's bluesy tone are still around, Johnson's gone even further into earthy rock territory, layering grungy riffs over country twang.

This juxtaposition works especially well on tracks like "Woman Got My Devil" and the high-speed "Ride Like Hell," though not so much on "Black Or White" (which is Lenny Kravitz-level offensive in its lack of lyrical imagination). But just when you're on the fence about whether or not this is simply Big Sugar redux, "Reach Out Your Hand" comes out stomping and roaring, proving that Johnson has found a new voice. Praise the Lord and pass the whiskey.

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