Customer Reviews

Bad News Is Coming

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Bad News Is Coming" was Luther Allison's debut album and from the first track, (his version of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster"), he EXPLODES with an intensity that is refreshing every time I hear it. He belted out his vocals in a raspy, impassioned wail, and his guitar playing was just as searing. This should have been a smash, although the blues market was drying up by the time this was released in 1972 and it ultimately didn't sell in big numbers. Luther Allison himself is quoted in the liner notes as saying that he got lost in the shuffle when Motown moved from Detroit to L.A. Luther Allison was an amazing guitarist and unfortunately remains underrated. Songs like his own "Raggedy and Dirty" are perfect examples of how he could play the blues over a funky groove and just sound plain DIRTY. I don't know how else to describe it. He didn't hold anything back on this album. Also notable is the piano playing of Paul White, who has some great solos on this one. If you are a fan of the blues and haven't heard Luther Allison, this CD serves as a good introduction to this unsung performer.

I don't want to review this cd as much as I want to implore you, the person reading this, to treat yourself and buy it. Out of the 100's of cd's I've owned and listened to, this is the most soulfully smooth music I've heard. This album is an unknown classic. Allison's voice rock's, his guitar work stings, the piano is perfect. Track after track this cd is either perfectly sexy, painful, funky, or rocking. Why this guy wasn't hugely popular is beyond me. Buy this cd and then buy it for your friends. They'll love it too--Peace

An incendiary guitarist and all-around performer...I first came across Allison's "Serious" back in the mid-80's, and the power of his voice and that nasty slide guitar had me hooked from the start.

I first dug up a dusty vinyl copy of this Motown release, and was struck by it's sound. Generally simple arrangements, but they conveyed a young Allison's determination. As far as I know, he was the only blues artist on Motown, at a time when the label was still in power on the production of soul/R&B hits for the Supremes, the Temptations and the like.

Mostly standards, Allison tears through "Little Red Rooster," "Evil Is Going On" and "Dust My Broom" and makes them his own. The funky "Raggedy and Dirty" remains one of my favorite personal tracks, and I detect a little Jimi Hendrix in there somewhere.

On this CD, the bonus tracks are a great addition, Allison's version of "Sweet Home Chicago" and songs like "Take My Love" really filling things out.

A great document on the early Allison. His roots weren't just in the blues, as his career would bear out. I can't say enough about this one, it's special in more ways than one.

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about, kids. This is gutbucket, soulfunk, dirty electric blues at its best. Chicago blues guitarist Luther Allison made his debut with this 1972 release on Motown's Gordy label. Allison's fiery guitar playing and his rough and tumble vocals bring life to a set of blues standards mixed with two songs he co-wrote. The first seven tracks make up the album as it was originally released, but this excellent remaster/reissue adds four more, including the potent "It's Been a Long Time". Allison is backed by Paul White on piano, Ray Goodman on Rhythm Guitar, Andrew Smith on Drums and Bass (As the name is listed twice in the liner notes, I'm not sure if this is one guy playing both instruments or two guys with the same name), and Garfield Angove laying down some greasy harmonica.

Highlights are Allison's own funky "Raggedy and Dirty", his humming/moaning accompaniment to his guitar licks on the title track, and a smoldering version of "Little Red Rooster". All the songs are great though, and provide an excellent backdrop for Luther's stinging guitar attack. Kudos to Motown for reissuing this material and giving fans some extra glimpses of this late bluesman's talent. I plan on purchasing the other Motown Allison remasters in the near future. Get this album, turn it up loud, and you too can get hip.

The "Bad News Is Coming" album was released in 1972 in the universe of the motown empire. A blast of stratosheric energy came Luther Allison.On this album he unleashes his blazing guitar licks on such songs as "Bad News Is Coming","Raggedy And Dirty" and explores the wild side of Willie Dixon's songs "Little Red Rooster" and "Evil Is Going On". This CD is truly a must for any true blue fanatic

This is a must have in the COL-LEC-TION if you DIG the Blues & Luther Allison. What a KILLER CD this one is. Great purchase. Long live Luther!

Doubtless, one of the best Luther's albums. Special mention deserves the song "Bad News Is Coming". Essential in any blues discography.

Luther Allison is at his best on this Cd. I can't recommend it enough. If you like blues, you will love this.

This album is simply a classic. A must have for ALL music fans across the world. I'll finish this review with this:

Luther Allison is the finest entertainer to ever walk the face of the earth!

I can't say too much that listening to the samples above won't more eloquently say for themselves..stripped down, visceral, authoritative blues. If you like blues, this one's a keeper!