Local spins

Ray Herndon
‘Livin’ the Dream’

After forging a career as a top-notch Nashville sideman, it’s been a long-time dream of Scottsdale’s Ray Herndon to create a solo album — a dream he earnestly shares in a short letter on the sleeve of “Livin’ the Dream.”

This “labor of love” showcases his deep, revving growls and tavern-style guitar picking. Herndon’s knack for country songcraft is evidenced on tracks like “My Dog Thinks I’m Elvis,” written with pal Jimbeau Hinson. “My dog thinks I’m Elvis/In his eyes I’m the King/I think he’d crawl to Memphis/if he thought I’d called his name,” Herndon sings of Hinson’s 120 lb. Schnauzer. Herndon Brothers’ fans won’t be let down by this one-man endeavor and there’s a good chance the Ray-man will draw a following all his own. B+

Next show(s): 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday with the Herndon Brothers at the Handlear J, 7116 Becker Lane, Scottsdale, . $4, all ages welcome in the restaurant.
Web site: www.rayherndon.net

— by Jenna Duncan, Get Out

Hillbilly Devilspeak
‘Lies ... As Told By The White Man’

After plying their trade on Valley stages for more than 10 years, old school punkers Hillbilly Devilspeak have produced a disc of sonic dissonance and tight songwriting that stays true to their deep angst-rock roots. Led by bassist/vocalist Tom Reardon, this four-piece band builds oddly catchy songs around atonal riffs and clever, often humorous lyrics.

On “No job, no problem/no life, no problem/no skills, no problem” from “Above The Law: Say AHHH,” Reardon sings in an appropriately gritty shout. Songs like “Thats Rock-n-Roll” and “How Many? I Don't Know” betray a strong Black Sabbath influence with their slow, bluesy riffs, while the disc’s best cut, “Kalifornia,” sounds downright poppy with its descending power chords and chanting chorus. While innovation has never been the punk genre’s strong suit, Hillbilly Devilspeak manage to stay true to the punk ethos while crafting an interesting and entertaining disk. B

Next show: 9 p.m. Friday at Hollywood Alley, 2610 W. Baseline Road, Mesa, .
Web site: www.hillbillydevilspeak.com

— by Chris Holly, Get Out