Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys

Back in the ’90s, BR549 was one of the leading alt-country acts. On numerous occasions, the band packed the Beachland Ballroom and put on some fantastic shows. BR549 is no longer together but frontman Chuck Mead has just issued Free State Serenade, an album that retains the band’s signature sound. Album opener “Knee Deep in the Wakarusa River” features Mead’s distinctive vocals and some twangy slide guitar riffs. With its hiccupping backing vocals, “On a Slow Train Through Arkansas” is good fun, and the same goes for the Blasters-like “Evil Wind.” (Niesel)