Begged, Borrowed and Stole
BOOTLEG
(Red Eyed Records LLC.)
Following the local success of their rehearsal space recording Live at the Office, Bradenton bar/festival faves Bootleg recorded its proper debut full-length, Begged, Borrowed and Stole, with pros in Nashville. The results: a tricked-out, radio-friendly sheen for the trio's catchy blend of ska, punk and reggae spiked with fierce, bluesy guitar solos. Smartly, Bootleg recycles its best originals here, giving concert standouts like "Abby's Song" — an ode to singer/guitarist Mark Pelham's dog, — a crisp, winning sound propelled by a bouncy bass line courtesy of Robyn Tingen. MySpace.com/musicofroots. 3.5 stars
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2008.