Customer Reviews

Blues Is My Wailin Wall

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album packs a wicked punch over the initial three tracks, particularly "Heaven's Got the Blues", where Rodgers vocals are nail tough and soulful. After that, the intensity moderates somewhat; the rest of the album unfolds somewhat more traditionally and smolders while occasionally catching fire. "Willie B and Me" is an outstanding ode to old friendship, "Tuskegee Blues" is a scathing indictment of policy and hypocricy. The lyrics are always defiant, inventive and clever without being annoying or cloying, the musicianship is top-notch, the guitar tone is fantastic, and the production is superb, oddly reminding me of the sound of my favorite Los Lobos albums. If you think the blues is a tired idiom or are weary of cliche, this album will definitely reshape your views.

I really enjoy blues, but my favorite style of blues is the hard and fast guitar driven, rockin' blues (Popa Chubby, Jimmy Thackery, Too SLim and the Taildragger,...). Occasionally I find a new artist that shifts my perspective on what makes a really good blues album. This was one of those albums. It is full of powerful mood shifting music that grabs a hold of your emotional center and carries you with it.

Nothing is over the top, rhythms are tight and controlled, the guitar and bass are energetic and sharp, but don't overwhelm other aspects of the music. Mo's vocals are gritty and full of genuine emotion, never forced or strained beyond his abilities. The writing is sharp and interesting; I found myself on several occasions humming or singing several of these to myself; my favorites are the title track, and the "Kennedy Song".

I have just one problem; I still can't make out the last word(s) in the chorus on "The Kennedy Song"; ,"... he was a victim of the ultimate ... tried fact?,... true fact?,... anyhow, this is a minor knitpik on a truely exceptional album.

I can't believe someone with talent like this has never recorded solo before. I hope he found it satisfying, because I look forward to hearing something else from him. ky

THE LINER NOTES INDICATE THAT MIGHTY MO RODGERS DECIDED TO START PLAYING MUSIC AGAIN "BECAUSE HE DID NOT LIKE WHAT HE WAS HEARING" AND "HAD SOME THINGS HE WANTED TO SAY". THANK GOD FOR RODGERS! AS GREAT AS ROBERT JOHNSON WAS, HOW MANY REMAKES OF HIS SONGS OR TRIBUTES BY COPYCAT ARTISTS ARE ENOUGH? THE BURDON OF A BLUES MUSICIAN IS TO TAKE WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE AND CARRY IT ONE STEP FURTHER. RODGERS DOES JUST THAT. WITH THIS CD, HE GIVES US 11 NEW HEARTFELT SONGS THAT WILL HAVE YOU SINGING AND TAPPING YOUR FEET INSTANTLY. EACH SONG IS ORIGINAL, INTERESTING AND REFRESHING. BUY YOURSELF A ROBERT JOHNSON CD SUCH AS "KING OF THE DELTA BLUES" SEE WHAT THE BLUES WAS AND THEN GET RODGERS CD TO SEE WHERE THE BLUES CAN GO. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A terrific CD with deep meaning with all of the best of blues and R&B. I highly recommend this album as I have seen him here in LA several times and his stage performace is just as good! Very lissenable with my favorite's being "No Regrets" a traditional blues tune with a nod to the blues gods and "Shame" a millinium song that smokes! There are several other tunes I liked including "Willie B. and Me", "Gone Fishing", "Sweet Soul Music" and the Title track "Blues is my Wailin' Wall".This was a Terrific Album give it a listen!

This CD is one of the most impactful and original recordings I have heard in a very long time. Mo Rodgers comes across strong with his wonderful messages of the Blues and his rhythmes have enough soul and beat to move everyone. The diversity of the songs definitely has something for all types. THIS IS THE BLUES.

I borrowed this CD from my son-in-law and after one listen I had to get my own copy. Mo Rogers has a beautiful voice and the music is so rich and soulful. My favorite song is Heavens Got the Blues, but I also like Gone Fishin'. I only wish he had more CDs out, I really enjoy his stuff.

I'm not, these days a regular buyer of music but having seen Mighty Mo's set at the Bishopstock Blues Festival I realised that this guy is the real thing and that it was neccesary to invest in the CD. A great set and the 'New Blues Band'provided a superb backing. Could the CD be as good as the live set? - well actually no - but it is the next best thing. Check out the title track and indeed any other - there isn't a bad track on this album - some better than others but none fall below very good.

Mo Rodgers gives somehow a trad. blues feel and marries to it modern production values - dont worry it's not 'slick' but you can actually hear whats going on. Buy it.

Not much to say really, this is just such a good album. I simply love "The Kennedy Song" and the title track. He was fantastic at Bishopstock 2001, can't wait to see him again!

I love this cd! Mo has such talent; everytime I play the cd someone wants to know who it is & where I bought it. I have several of his cds & can't wait to get the next one called "Dispatches From The Moon" but not sure if it's available yet since I don't see it advertised. How do I know there's a new one? I got it straight from Mo himself!

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rodgers back in 1964, and am glad to see that he is still creating excellent music. This is a must have album for the blues enthusiast.