All Hopped Up

This album, NRBQ's fifth, was originally released in 1977. It came after a 4-year gap, marked their first foray into self-production and was released on their own Red Rooster label (though it was subsequently picked up by Rounder). Almost all of the songs from this album remained live staples for the next dozen years. It's instructive to hear the opener "I Got A Rocket In My Pocket" open their live YOU GOTTA BE LOOSE 23 years later and still scoot along with its subtle, ferocious groove.
From Al Anderson's radio-perfect "Ridin' In My Car" to Joey Spampinato's Beatlesque "That's Alright" to Terry Adams' gorgeous "Things To You," this record proves that NRBQ was a band with no shortage of great writers. Their choice in covers embraces everything from "Honey Hush" to the theme from Bonanza. For first-time listeners, ALL HOPPED UP is one of numerous excellent entry points into the group's large catalog.