High on the Hog (Black Oak Arkansas album)

High on the Hog
Studio album by Black Oak Arkansas
Released	November 1973
Recorded	September 15–19, 1972; August 4–29, 1973
Studio	Criteria, Miami, Florida Wally Heider, Hollywood, California
Genre	Southern rock country rock classic rock
Length	33:50
Label	Atco
Producer	Tom Dowd
Black Oak Arkansas chronology
Raunch 'N' Roll Live (1973) High on the Hog (1973) Street Party (1974)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]

High on the Hog is the fourth studio album by American southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas, released in 1973 by Atco Records. ^[2] It is known for its cover of the LaVern Baker song "Jim Dandy", which reached number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^{[ citation needed ]}

High on the Hog remains the group's most successful release.

Critical reception

On AllMusic, Donald A. Guarisco wrote "["Jim Dandy"] is definitely High on the Hog's undisputed highlight, but the other tracks surrounding it also have plenty to offer. Although they were too eccentric a band to fit a strict "Southern rock" label à la Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Oak Arkansas did have an ability to dish up both country and rock sounds with style.... [T]he group also shows a surprising ability to mix elements of pure funk into their country-rock stew..." ^[1]

Track listing

All songs by Black Oak Arkansas, except "Jim Dandy" by Lincoln Chase and "Moonshine Sonata" by Black Oak Arkansas & Tom Dowd.

1. "Swimmin' in Quicksand" – 3:20
2. "Back to the Land" – 2:25
3. "Movin'" – 3:13
4. "Happy Hooker" – 5:27
5. "Red Hot Lovin'" – 2:45
6. "Jim Dandy" – 2:38
7. "Moonshine Sonata" – 5:26
8. "Why Shouldn't I Smile" – 2:21
9. "High 'n' Dry" – 2:25
10. "Mad Man" – 3:50

Personnel

Black Oak Arkansas

• Jim "Dandy" Mangrum – lead vocals
• Rickie Reynolds – guitars
• Harvey Jett – guitars
• Stanley Knight – guitars
• Pat Daugherty – bass guitar
• Tommy Aldridge – drums

Additional personnel

• Ruby Starr – backing vocals on "Jim Dandy"

Production

• Tom Dowd – producer
• Ron & Howie Albert – engineers on tracks 3, 9, 10
• Ed Barton – engineer on the other tracks
• Joe Petagno – album illustration

Charts

Chart (1974)	Peak position
Canada Top Albums/CDs ( RPM ) [3]	81
US Billboard 200 [4]	52

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [5]	Gold	500,000^
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

1. Guarisco, Donald A. "Black Oak Arkansas High on the Hog review". Allmusic . Rovi Corporation . Retrieved July 17, 2011.
2. Black Oak Arkansas – High on the Hog Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic , retrieved April 24, 2023
3. "Top RPM Albums: Issue 4991b". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
4. "Black Oak Arkansas Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
5. "American album certifications – Black Oak Arkansas – High on the Hog". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 25, 2024.