Outlaws: Green Grass And High Tides

It’s Saturday and time now for a bubbling under hit. In 1975, the Southern rock band the Outlaws released their debut self-titled album. Although not released as a single, “Green Grass and High Tides” became an AOR staple. The song was such a favorite among fans that the band often closed their shows with this very popular early recording.

The song was a tribute to rock stars who passed away and its title was influenced by The Rolling Stones’ compilation “Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass).” The album cover featured the late Brian Jones at the forefront of the band.

The Outlaws are probably best known for the twin lead guitars of Hughie Thomasson’s Fender Stratocaster and Billy Jones’ Gibson Les Paul. On “Green Grass and High Tides,” Jones’ guitar leads are in the left channel while Thomasson’s can be heard in the right. This show stopper is 11 seconds shy of 10 minutes in length and remains on the Outlaws’ best known recordings. Although it is a studio recording, it has all the flavor of a live cut.