Customer Reviews

Hard Stuff

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a long time fan of old Georgey Boy. However I must say that his records from Boogie People onwards have not had the spark of his earlier work. Sure they all have some really goood material on them but none are a solid listen from start to finish like the old records are.

This new record, The Hard Stuff, and the previous record (Ride 'Til I Die) are a true return to form. George was getting stale and his tonic was to get Jimmy Suhler into his band. These two latest records (with Jimmy) show a band with renewed creativity, enthusiasm, and vigour. The rhythm section is the tighest and most propulsive a musician could ever hope to play with. The guitar parts complement each other beautifully and the contrast in styles and tones between Jimmy and George makes for great listening.

Stylistically the new record shows that George is drawing inspiration from further afield these days. Whilst the old records were strictly Elmore James, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf type affairs with the odd snatch of Bakersfield thrown in too, the new record shows George has an ear to such acts as Southern Culture On The Skids and Little Charlie & The Nightcats.

In interviews George has talked down his guitar playing abilities. I think he felt that he did not have the chops to break out of his usual playing style (comfort zone). However, on this new record it is evident that Jimmy's contributions have reinvorgated George's love of guitar playing. As a result George is taking risks and pushing his brand of guitar playing into new musical settings. George is writing better songs, coming up with more interesting arrangements and giving the band members the opportunity to really shine as soloists in their right.

This record is not exactly like the George of old, and I am pleased to say that it is far better than the George of more recent times too. This record reflects George Thorogood as a confident, inspired performer who does not need to keep the spotlight to himself any more.

Highly recommended!

I agree alot with Mark from Australia's review. I really enjoy the new guitar interplay that this disc offers. It seems as if George got a little tired of being picked on and really set out to make a record that shows his, and his band's, talent. The album sounds terrific and is a great listen.

The song selection is diverse and the cover choices are inspired. Heck, I even wanted to dislike "Anytown USA" but it works.

I hope that George receives some long overdue recognition (and maybe even an apology from Bob Dylan - see the liner notes), because the truth of the matter is that blues was dying until George and Stevie Ray Vaughan captured the interest of teens in the 80's. Without his contribution, the "blooze" would not have received the attention that it did, at that time. Since he always paid lip service to his heroes (as did Stevie), us children of the 80's were able to work backwards from them and find the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Albert King, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows (had to throw that in), and all of the other "blues" greats.


This album finds him, once again, bringing long lost classics to a Walmart near you. Hell, I think he desearves a "thank ya" for that.

George and the Destroyers are like fine whiskey bourbon, they just get better with age. Keep the rockin' blues coming!

I'd like to write two reviews on this album. One to the old George Thorogood and The Delaware Destroyers, and one to the music lovers out there who don't know who these guys are. There are some, you know, because of radio.

To the old George and The Destroyers fans, man if you haven't picked this up, dig in that pocket a little and do yourself one of the biggest musical favors you'll ever do for yourself. This album is absolutely the deal! If you gave up a little on George with a few of his last albums, forget it. This album may be George and his band at his and their zenith. I don't have to tell you guys about George at his best, and I'm not going to waste your time giving you my personal review of each and every cut. Because, in their own way, they are all great! Not a one that you are going to fall asleep on. Man, just go out and get it. You won't be sorry.

Now, to the music lovers who don't know who George Thorogood and The Destroyers are, here goes. I have my favorites in different genres of music. To me, the best Rock and Roll Band of all time is simply Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. My favorite Country singer of all time is Merle Haggard. The reason I bring these guys up is because on todays radio, you're not going to hear them. Just like George Thorogood. When's the last time you've heard a George Thorogood song on the radio? You know why? He's too good! With George Thorogood and The Destroyers you are not going to hear the washed out stuff they play on the radio that all sounds the same. Whether it's country or rock. And, you're not going to hear rap where you can't understand any of the words, and if you did, you wish you hadn't. George is a blend of alot of things. Rock and Roll, blues, blues-rock, rock-blues, sometimes a little country twang mixed in, and sometimes George will sing, for George, a tender ballad. One thing I can tell you, you're not going to sit still for long. You are going to move something, up and down, or sideways. And, guess what, even though George sings the types of music that I told you he sings, here's the big surprise. You will understand nearly every word George sings! That's right. The guy has a great voice. Oh, one last thing about George that I must throw on you. George Thorogood is probably one of the top 7 or 8 guitar players that I've ever heard in my lifetime. I mean, he really plays. He doesn't just make noise. No sir. If you don't believe me, go out and see him. And, not to forget the Band, two of the guys have been with George for over 30 years. Why do you think that might be? Because they don't want to play with anyone else.

One final thing to the new people. If you give this album a chance, whether you like it or not, I guarantee you one thing. You will say, "I've never heard anything quite like that before!!" Thanks for listening to me ramble on, and I truly hope you buy this and enjoy this album as much as I have. That goes for the old fans, and hopefully, the new ones. Thanks, George! You're the best at what you do, man!

Good CD............... I am a big fan of thoroghgood. Youger people may not understand it but I am an old guitar player and I love it. I envy his slide technique.

I've got all of George's albums, even the early Rounder re-treads. After the last 3 or 4 studio and live albums, I was beginning to thing he was losing his edge -- on his last album, Rockin' My Life Away, the title track was the only decent song on the ablum. Plus, he was messing with his strat tone -- I didn't like the 'new' sound. It wasn't George.

George isn't a great singer, but nobody sings hard rock better. A contradiction, damn right! Listen to any one of his slow numbers -- they suck. But when he's rockin' -- WOW, watch out!!!

I'm pleased to say on The Hard Stuff George is back to form. His sound is his classic stratocaster tones and he's shredding on the slide. This may be his best album since the 80's! Yeah, it's that good. I've had it in the car player for 2 weeks and I'm still groovin' on it. George has always made some of the best road music, and this album is no exception.

Hard Stuff, the first song, is good, but it's not classic George. Had me worried until I got to I Got My Eyes on You -- from there on it was smooth sailing. Cool It is an Albert Collins inspired shuffle that really works and gives Jim Suhler a chance to strut his stuff. Love Doctor is pure classic George, and I'd put it up there with his best tunes, along with Takin' Care of Business and the Hooker inspired and penned Huckle Up Baby!

The old Road Dawg is back and many of these songs are right up there with his best!

George doesn't put out new material often these days, but he really hit all the right notes on this one. It probably won't go down as being as classic as albums with Gear Jammer or Bad to the Bone on them, but for a Thorogood fan, there are some really cool grooves going on in this CD. We all know his sound, and he doesn't deviate from what we expect him to do, but that's okay, because what he does- he does best. This is a great CD to put on at a party or just anytime you're feeling good.

Classic Thorogood. A few repeats but plenty of new material and riff's to justify adding this disc to your library. Keep on rockin, George.

This talented man has gone
beyond the blues tradition!
He has infused
rock, blues and soul
to create yet another
outstanding sound track!

It's the best GTD studio album since Move It On Over. What I really like is that there are no weak songs on this CD, unlike previous releases where there appeared to be a lot of filler material. I have had this CD in my car for 4 months and I keep coming back to it. I just can't get enough of it! I can't wait to see my next George Thorogood concert.