Customer Reviews

Guitar Slinger

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had this disc for a couple of years now and can't stop playing it. It's some of the most energised, wildest, hell-raising blues I've ever heard! Forget about those ramshackle mid-70s efforts: Johnny's in the very best company here. Largely self-produced, Johnny's cranked-up, turbo-charged playing is given free reign, with generous doses of his trademark slide, and those machine-gun speed solos that only he can deliver (who else can keep up?). The rhythm section is watertight, and while the rollicking keyboards take a back seat, they don't leave us asking that perennial question ("where's your brother???"). Tasteful horn arrangements are featured on a few tracks, but for me the real suprise of this recording is Johnny's improved vocals (compared to earlier efforts). They're more assured and even soulful at times (even when he's barking!), but typically gravel-toned and raucous. If there's anything missing here, well, it's an acoustic number, but hey, when was the last time a restaurant gave you a sample of everything on the menu? I've long been mystified why blues "desert island" lists never seem to include a Johnny Winter album. Surely there must be at least a few strong candidates! Well, this is my one. This is strong medicine, not the herbal variety, which I recommend unreservedly.

I bought this album on cassette when it first came out after seeing Winter play the Austin Opry House back in the mid-80s. Now I've acquired it on CD and like it as much as ever! Winter's guitar and voice come out screaming at their macho best. I like the whole album, but particularly the defiant "It's My Life, Baby", the wailing blues of "Iodine in My Coffee", the howling "Mad Dog" and the anthem "My Soul". Johnny shows a sly sense of humor on "Trick Bag" and on "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye". I can't imagine any lover of electric blues not liking this album which I consider to be among his all-round best. Throw it in the CD player when you are in the mood to roar and you won't be disappointed.

THIS DISC SMOKES ALL THE WAY THROUGH.A MUST HAVE FOR ANY FAN OF TEXAS BLUES ROCK.IT WILL LEAVE YOU WITH GOOSEBUMPS.10 STARS+++++

This is the best CD purchase i've made in quite awhile!
WHEW! Some rockin' kick as_ blues! Fantastic guitarist
and lyrics ... so fun!

This is a must have for any Johnny Winter fans. Got this CD, but have had the album since it first came out. I had forgotten how great all the music was. Highly recommend this item.

Johnny once again proves himself master of the Texas/Blues guitar. Notables on this album are his version of the old blues standard "Boot Hill" and "Trick Bag". But really, I don't think there's a throughaway cut on this CD.

This CD jams and if you like blues guitar...buy it! Simple enough? Johnny, please teach Popa Chubby a thing or two about blues...PLEASE!

This CD jams and if you like blues guitar...buy it! Simple enough? Johnny, please teach Popa Chubby a thing or two about blues...PLEASE!

Perhaps I should have waited for a second listen before posting a review, but I needed to speak out here. The reviews, the title of the cd, and my liking of his other efforts I have purchased recently, made this cd a must for me to find. When i finally got my hands on it, I was disappointed. First the sound is recorded at much lower a volume than some of his other works. O.K. it's not a remasterd cd but it was recorded a lot more recently, so I was expecting better quality. The vocals as one poster stated was much better and clearer. However the guitar seemed pushed far back in the mix. His other cd's are better and bluesier.