While “Cowboy Outfit” has a slightly different meaning as UK Slang, Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit marks a turn towards a more rootsy persona for our hero. Anchored by the international number one “Half a Boy and Half a Man”, the album introduces a tex-mex/roller-rink organ sound, although the lineup of Bobby Irwin, Paul Carrack, Martin Belmont and Lowe is essentially unchanged. Newly discovered Johnny Horton covers “Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor” and “Walk on By” (included here as bonus tracks) show that there may have been a more twangy intention to the record– but as it is full on rockers like “Maureen” and Mickey Jupp’s “You’ll Never Get Me Up (in One of Those)” rub shoulders with pop like Dusty Springfield’s “Breakaway” and Nick’s own “L.A.F.S.” (featuring the TKO Horns who had recently punched up arranger Elvis Costello’s own “Everyday I Write the Book”).
"…The presence of the almost slinky disco of "Dead Funny," the quietly pulsing "Cuckoo," and the best song on the record, the dynamic and catchy (and brutal) "Dart for My Sweetheart" give the record some balance, making it a very satisfying listen. There aren't many bands in the post-turn of the century post-punk revival sweepstakes that play with as much raw emotion or who deliver such unadorned and honest words and sounds. If you find those attributes attractive in a band, by all means track down Derdang Derdang and get ready for a terrible and tremendous listening experience." ~allmusicguide
Bob Sunenblick's Uptown label continues with its research work to unearth obscure but always gratifying musical moments. Now it’s the turn of Chubby Jackson’s amazing 1949 big band. Chubby was never a best-seller, and a double CD set of this band won’t probably make anyone rich, but it will nevertheless give great amounts of pleasure to many jazz fans.