Album Review:

Hollywood Drag is the final collaboration between Lolly and Pat Vegas (later of Redbone), Glenn Campbell, David Gates (later of Bread), Leon Russell, and Earl Palmer under the aliases of De-Fenders, Deuce Coupes, and the Darts.

This album has some of the wildest and unhinged playing of this group.

​

'Alky Burner' kicks off the album on a strong note. 'Top Eliminator' is an excellent track with ascending modulations building the intensity at every turn. This number was utilized as the backing track for the Crockett Brothers' single 'Fastest Car in Town' on Donna Records 1389. ' The 6/8 'Hippy's Delight' has another fantastic groove. 'Street Machine' doesn't offer much new but is a respectable jam in its own right. The slower 'Monkey Do' features a tenor sax and is the successor to 'Monkey Si' from the Deuce Coupes' Hotrodders' Choice album. I'm pretty sure that's Steve Douglas on sax. The western-themed 'Gaucho' gallops along with some solid guitar work. 'Slauson & Soto' highlights some sweet guitar bends but isn't essential. A hefty undercurrent of rhythm grounds 'Detroit Iron' as the reverb-laden guitar dances over the heavy groove. Drag racing sounds effectively link the previous track directly into 'Hollywood Drag;' a worthy holder of the album title. 'Cruisin'' is a melodic outing perfect for night capades. 'Shop Talk' is an amusing ditty, while 'Cone Pone' offers more along the same lines.

​

The last of the Del-Fi Hot Rod Trilogy, Hollywood Drag acts as a fine closing to the collection. While not offering quite as much originality as the first two albums, it is still worth a trip around the block.