SCOTS have always been able to put their own distinctly greasy touch on well-chosen cover songs from Leon Bass' "Love-a-Rama" to the Louvin Brothers "Great Atomic Power" (better than Uncle Tupelo’s version, in my book). So a covers album with a "country" focus makes sense, and the longstanding North Carolina trio doesn't disappoint. Their choices are impeccable and loose enough to follow Onie Wheeler's swinger’s ode "Let's Invite Them Over" with T-Rex's tender "Life's a Gas." John Fogerty, whose chooglin' SCOTS owes a debt to, is honored with versions of "Tombstone Shadow" and the Golliwogs' "Fight Fire." Another band influence, Slim Harpo, gets a nod with a low-down stab at "Te Ni Nee Ni Nu." Terrific from start to finish, Countrypolitan Favorites also offers fresh, fun and funky takes on Roger Miller's "Engine Engine #9," the Kinks' "Muswell Hillbillies" and John D. Loudermilk's classic "Tobacco Road."

-Andy Turner, Pop Culture Press