Ever since Jerry Lee Lewis banished the upright bass from his band in favor of a solid-body electric back in 1958, the instrument's only legitimate place has been in a jazz combo, yet in the exception-that-proves-the-rule category comes the Legendary Shack Shakers. This gaggle of Southern unholy rollers throws down a frantic rhythmic barrage similar to the primitive-pummeling likes of the Clash and Molotov and, in the person of Colonel J.D. Wilkes, also boasts a first-rate, dangerously manic howler-harmonicat. As likely to mix polka and gospel as they are knockdown old-time blues into their "junkyard carnival punk" sound, the Legendary Shack Shakers perpetrate an endearingly vehement style of double-rectified Dixie-gothic big beat. Their new Believe CD is a hair-raising collection of accelerated mayhem, and their stage show is guaranteed to reach even gaudier heights of bust-head frolic. Expect quite the fine mess. (Jonny Whiteside)