After three strong-selling albums in a row,
Black Oak Arkansas released
Ain't Life Grand to a somewhat cool response. The successes of the past seemed to have afforded the group better recording accommodations, as this 1975 offering sounds vastly superior to anything that preceded it. The material isn't improved, but the performances are tighter, and the mixes are punchy and clear. James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum still dominates the proceedings with his snarling vocals; however, the singer's more annoying ticks are softened a little, making this a very listenable record. Highlights include a decent cover of
the Beatles' "Taxman," the uplifting closer "Let Life Be Good to You," and "Keep On," with its pronounced
Grateful Dead shading. Outside of their two near-classics,
Raunch 'N' Roll Live, and
High On the Hog, this just might be the best effort from Mangrum and
Black Oak Arkansas. ~ Vincent Jeffries