When is a Novelty Act Not a Novelty Act?

When it's sold out a year ahead of time. Such is the case with bluegrass AC/DC cover band Hayseed Dixie. As far as I'm concerned, their 'Back in Black' is better than the original, and their 'Hell's Bells' is in the running.

Like Richard Cheese, they have a studied refusal to ever admit that it's all a put-on. But they are musically much more accomplished than Cheese or other parody/cover bands. Their arrangements and soloes are often richer and more complex than the originals. AC/DC had them play the closing party for a recent tour, which reflects well on all concerned.

Hayseed Dixie is available on iTunes, and you can sample some of their lesser works (e.g., 'Walk This Way' and 'My Best Friend's Girl') here.