Moonbeam (label)
17 June 2013 (released)
18 June 2013
If you want some real deal Blues in all its smoky, raunchy and ragged glory you could go a long way to beat Blues ‘N’ Trouble – this is the mutts nuts!
These guys have won WC Handy awards and were nominated for best song in the British Blues Awards last year and this album should be making a strong go for classic Blues album of the year.
Tim Elliot has a raw edge to his voice – he also blows a fine harp – and on the songs they have written he expresses himself with a sass and a sneer which sets perfectly against Angus Rose’ tinkling piano and keyboards. On ‘Money’s Tight’ which sounds as though it should be a Dr John number they combine brilliantly with Sandy Tweeddale providing soulful guitar and nthe rhythm section of Andy Munro (drums) and bassman Rod Kennard super loose and somehow holding it all together,
They can do more too: ‘Down ‘n’ Dirty is just that with Dick Dale twanging guitar and a Surfaris organ sound or rock and roll on ‘Rock this Joint’ doing the full Bill Haley special. ‘King Bee’ is downright dirty – sounding like the Doors tried to create but avtually making the song sound as hoyt and raunchy as it is supposed to be.
Their version of ‘Psychotic Reaction’ is awesome – anyone who loves garage rock will know the 13th Floor Elevators but this version kills it.
All this and I haven’t talked about the Blues numbers which are terrific.
I think that the thing I liked most about this album is the simple fact it doesn’t try too hard – these guys are natural and obviously doing it for the love.
Great album.
