One has to wonder what the Allen Oldies Band has, that the typical cover band at the sports bar doesn't, to be getting this much attention.  After all, the AOB isn't made up of hipster record collectors- its set liost is mostly drawn from the same tried-and-true oldies radio staples you can hear over the PA at the Hollywood Grill.  Yet, even though this Houston group plays high-paying corporate gigs regularly, it somehow has an insane underground following.  Why else would it play at a place like Horseshoe, opening for local garage rockers the Goldstars?

We don't know ourselves, and we're not about to lose any sleep wondering why.  But we have to admit that AOB does its thing well.  On the band's new album, Live and Delirious! (Freedom), it puts a hurting on vintage rock & roll classics like "Wolloy BUlly," "Dizzy" and "She's About a Mover."  To its credit, the group doesn't sound like the typical middle-aged wedding band playing classic '60s hits through cheesy "80s equipment.  Even so, you get the impression that it's not about the sound so much as it is the show, frequently punctuated by frontman Allen Hill jumping in the air, decked out in trademark sneakers and tux.  Simple, unjaded fun might not be much of a gimmixk these days, but done right it can take you a long way. - James Porter

Time Out Chicago/Issue 85:Oct 12-Oct18, 2006