Susan Hickman’s first nationally distributed single is something that classic rock fans will know well. Written by Gregg Allman and recorded by him with his Allman Brothers Band, “Whipping Post” (listen here) is a smart choice as a single for Hickman as it shows off her smoky vocals that are reminiscent of sisters Shelby Lynne or Allison Moorer’s vocals. The production, by Doug Deforest, is smartly centered on her wonderful, sultry voice and instead of too many wailing southern rock guitars; the mix smartly uses fiddles to accentuate the country part of this country/rock affair.
While I don’t see mainstream country radio, outside of some maverick programmers and Texas/Oklahoma markets taking too much of a shine to this single, it’s not hard to be charmed by the combination of Hickman’s smoky voice and this very, very good classic rock song. The fact that country radio won’t play this song is likely to be a badge of honor in some circles as there are many fans out there who feel as if country radio has given up playing real, good, honest music these days in lieu of the flavor of the month. While songs about country lifestyle may come and go, classic songs like “Whipping Post” (read lyrics here) will stay and when paired with a talented singer, the result can and is pure magic.
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