Nikki Sudden - The Bible Belt Numero Group continues to kick ass on the reissue circuit, proving that they have their hands in more than just the dusty crates of funk and soul and the occasional tubs of Power Pop (get back to the Buttons series when you get a chance guys). Focusing on the catalog
of Swell Maps' Nikki Sudden, the label is reissuing his first pre-Maps LP, Waiting on Egypt, his work with the Jacobites and this chestnut of a second album, The Bible Belt. Both of his solo albums pulled at the tatters of Swell Maps' legacy but this sophomore offering marked Sudden's connection with guitarist Dave Kusworth, with whom he would go on to form The Jacobites. The two spiraled down a path of T. Rex glam and post Bowie hangover with just enough of a penchant for "Salt of the Earth" Stonesian maneuvers thrown in to keep things somehow humble. Whatever the recipe, it all ends up making sense in the end. Sadly the Numero reissue sticks to the classic tracklist here, reproducing the original in its truest form but it could have benefited from a double disc treatment that roped in previously issued CD bonus tracks "Gold Painted Nails (vocal version)" and the dub-plated "Six Hip Princes (version)". Those omissions notwithstanding, this is an essential piece to be resurrected for your vinyl collection. Listen: Support the artist. Buy it HERE