"Beatin The Heat" is Dan's first studio album since 1978. The Hot Licks name is back, along with a new pair of lovely Lickettes, who provide the signature Hot Licks harmonies. The CD, produced by surf guitar shredder Gary Hoey and head Surfdog honcho Dave Kaplan, presents Dan and his music in a contemporary fashion.

"I Scare Myself" is reprised here in a techno-trance motif, as a duet with Rickie Lee Jones. Ms. Jones also contributes vocals on "Driftin'". Bette Midler, who has previously recorded Dan's "Up! Up! Up!", sits in on "Strike It While It's Hot". Big-band reviver Brian Setzer plays guitar on "I Don't Want Love" and "Meet Me On The Corner". Elvis Costello also joins in on "Meet Me On The Corner".

Finally, noted Sonoma County hipster Tom Waits does a delightful duet with Dan on the brash "I'll Tell You Why That Is", accompanied on backing vocals by members of Hank Ballard's Moonlighters.

Personnel
Dan Hicks– Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Sid Page– Violin
Kevin Smith– Upright Bass
Gregg Bissonette– Drums
Tom Mitchell – Guitar
Jessica Harper – Background Vocals
Karla DeVito– Background Vocals

Special Guests
Brian Setzer
Rickie Lee Jones
Bette Midler
Elvis Costello
Tom Waits

Tunes
My Cello
I Don't Want Love
I Scare Myself
Strike It While It's Hot
He Don't Care
Meet Me On The Corner
I'll Tell You Why That Is
Hummin' To Myself
Doin' It
The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)
Chattanooga Shoe-Shine Boy
Driftin'
Hell, I'd Go!
Don't Stop The Meter, Mack
I've Got A Capo On My Brain

Additional track on Japanese release:
Livin' With A Lie