Customer Reviews

Raisin Hell

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

 

 

The guy who said Elvin couldn't sing doesn't have an appreciation for joyous noise delivered straight from the heart. I happen to love Elvin's gritty southern-style drawlin' 'n' twangin' vocals, but if that's not enough for you, Mickey Thomas is also here, as well as the obligatory black female background singers belting out the soulful "Yes Sir's" and "halleluja's" in fine fettle.This album, predominantly recorded in California theater style venues in '76, has it all in Elvin's inimitable style of country, boogie, blues, rock, gospel, and soul, all rolled into one, complete with bold brass, funky keyboards and superb slide and blistering lead guitar, all supported by a solid rhythm section.Included in the selections is a 6+ minute Muddy Water's blues tune, "Brown Bird," masterfully rendered, and a medley including the Sam Cooke blast from the past, "A Change is Gonna Come."This is a definite MUST for Elvin lovers, and for the uninitiated, this good time rock and soul live album rates with the best of them for pure pleasure and near perfect quality.5 Stars all the way!

Many years ago, i had this on LP on Capricorn Records, and over the years it disappeared. I have been looking for this recording in hopes that this GREAT performance would Finally come to cd format, and it has..!!! Without a doubt, one of the finest live shows ive heard...Not only is this Just about Elvin Bishop, but his stellar first class band as well..Mickey Thomas (from the Jefferson Airplane) vocals simply soar with Elvin's guitar work. The rest of the band, are ALL top notch studio players. Buy this, and you will NOT be disappointed...Elvin was just nominated again for the 2006 Blues Music Awards (formerly known as the W.C. Handy ) for best album...Funny that we still call cds albums, and lps...but that was the category in which he was listed. Get Elvin Bishop's "Raisin Hell..Live" You'll be glad you did.

Thirty years ago this was one of my favorite albums. A week ago I ordered it from here and it's been in my dashboard ever since. It sounded great then and it sounds excellent now.

There are many highly rated live albums. What sets this apart from all the rest? It's just unabaited joyous FUN from beginning to end.

I've had the good fortune of seeing Elvin Bishop live several times and the man definitely knows how to rock the house. He mixes his own style of Blues with lots of humor. His guitar playing is genuine and influenced by the Chicago Blues style. He has played in great bands like Buffalo Springfield, but he is definitely his own man. I don't care who you are, if you want to feel good, check out Elvin Bishop. His lyrics are funny and he always jokes around with the audience and his band. This live recording demonstrates a lot of that. The only reason I gave this CD a four star is because, as good as it is, I think some of his other CD's like "Ace in the Hole" are my personal favorites. Still, you really can't go wrong. Check it out!

This CD is a great study not only in Elvin Bishop's song library, but in the awesome sounds which characterized the halcyon days of the early 70's. Whether it be the gratuitous Moog solos on "Rock My Soul", or the "whacka whacka geetars" of "Stealin' Watermelons", these sounds will transport you into an LA club of the early '70s. I was particularly happy with the improvement in the quality of the horn section (F.Y.I- sitting in from Tower of Power...) which were tinny on vinyl.

This album is the best of all Elvin's stuff, and the live versions are so much better than the studio recordings that you really can't compare them. This is especially true for "Fooled around, fell in love". If you're a Bishop fan, this is a must!

Thanks to God almighty I have finally found one of life's essential listening pleasures on CD! The continuing vinyl wear on my two copies has had me singing the blues for years. This work is a southern rock-blues monument! Elvin makes the point that <--> "it doesn't take a whole lot of folks to have a good time. The best time I ever had in my life there wasn't but two of us" <--> Well, with (1)this music, (2)my headphones, (3)myself--I guess the best time I ever had in my life, there wasn't but three of us!!

It's been many years since I was able to listen to one of the most incredible live albums ever created. I too have worn out the grooves of the original LP. It was about 5 yrs ago that I happen to fall apon another copy from a dear freind at the local radio station. I played it once to tape and never again played the vinyl. Ive been searching ever since for the CD release! Its a must for any southern rock/blues collector!

This live record does what all good live records should do, it captures an artist at his peak. These live recordings came on the heels of his only big radio hit "Fooled Around And Fell In Love". Bishop took a full strength band on tour that included the "Tower Of Power" horn section, his full band that had been with him for years, great backup singers, and future Jefferson Starship singer Mickey Thomas. The result is a finely tuned live show, and a version of the previously mentioned hit that may be better than the original (Mickey Thomas's voice is phenomenal). Elvin Bishop has a great voice as well and gets highlighted on some of the old favorites. The sound quality is great, and so is this saved moment in time.

A Great collaboration of guitar, keyboards,vocals. fun goin down a gravel road at high speed music (please dont chuck those empty cans in the ditch along the way!) had the LP and wore grooves in it thank GOD fhe CD is finally out!! We lived half the album and danced & sang to the rest! WAY TO GO ELVIN!!