Today I’m happy to welcome back Rusty Reid to these pages. It’s been a while since we first chatted but it’s always great to catch up and share new music from artists we’ve previously featured.

Rusty Reid & the Unreasonables have an album out titled Once Upon A Time In Houston There Was a Rock & Roll Band. Piece of the Action is the second single from that album following the first single, Attitude Change.

If you love rock n roll, then this single (and the entire album) deliver exactly what you’re looking for!

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Rusty about the latest project, what he’s been doing since our last chat, favorite pieces of gear, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

It’s been a while since we last spoke. How have you been doing? What’s new in the world of Rusty Reid?

Hi Joshua, good to talk with you again. Quite a lot is new, and then there is the “old” stuff. My latest album is actually a relic of the past, recorded forty-something years ago with my old Houston band, “The Unreasonables.” Members of the band kept bugging me to release it, so I finally did… with trepidation. But, actually, I’ve been thrilled with the response. I’ve got a batch of new stuff lined up for release, starting early next year, as well.

What would you like listeners to know about your new release, Piece of the Action.

Yeah, “Piece of the Action” is the second single off the album, following “Attitude Change.” Both of these songs were favorites of ours to play back in the day. Both are playfully sexy, I think, though coming from opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. “Attitude Change” is about one romantic partner apparently getting bored with the whole thing, while “Piece of the Action” considers that initial gravitational phase of keen interest when two physical beings are first circling in attraction and connection.

What was your creative process like for this project? How did you make sure the rock and roll stayed pure?

I’m usually far from a “purist,” as I’ve been accused of mashing genres together with utter disregard for their sanctity, but on this album, it’s just a four, sometimes five, piece band bashing out whatever we could. It’s got a pinch of punk sensibility, though all of the players except me are much better musicians than the typical punk era band. This is the best we could manage in the cheapest studio we could find. That it seems “pure” all these decades later is somewhat ironic.

What were your favorite pieces of gear used on this album?

I had four electric guitars back then, a Les Paul Standard, a hard-tail Strat, a Telecaster and a Gretsch Country Gentleman. Still have them all. I played through a 1964 Fender Vibrolux, which I sold recently for an obscene amount. This song was recorded on one-inch eight track tape. Ah, the analog era. I don’t really miss it.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?

Oh gosh, that’s an almost impossible question. So many wonderful possibilities. Most of them would certainly not need my input. Except perhaps the Doors. They didn’t have a bass player or a background singer. That would have been fun.

I know it’s hard…but favorite song (or artist) of all time? Or Top 3 if you can’t choose one…?

Well, no one’s going to ever touch the Beatles for me. I was thinking just the other day how lucky we were to hear all of those songs when they were fresh and new and no one had ever heard them before. It was just one stunner after another. If I were to pick just one of their songs that still thrills almost as it did that very first listen, it’s “If I Fell.” I’m a fan of chords and melody, and few songs can match this one. Sheer genius.

Where’s the best place to connect with You online?

You know how the websites of a lot of artists have the scantiest of information, photos, lyrics, stories, etc.? Mine is the opposite… it has more info than anyone in their right mind would want to read. RustyReid.com has all of this and more, including videos and links to streaming services. It’s also got a contact page. I’d love to hear from anyone who is interested.

I appreciate Your time. Any closing thoughts before signing off?

I’ll probably release one more single from “The Unreasonables.” If you or any readers have a recommendation from the album, send it along via that contact page mentioned. Meanwhile, next year I have a special project coming up… an album of all cover songs. Totally not like me, but they say keep the audience guessing. That should be a hoot.