Customer Reviews

Roy Buchanan & the Snakestretchers

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

 

 

This CD is clearly Buchanan at his earliest and at his best. Buchanan's style and original Telecaster sound comes through and is sure to please any fan of the late great Roy Buchanan. The cover of Neil Young's "Down by the river" and Buchanan's own "Since you've been gone" are the stand out tracks on the CD. The one drawback to the CD is the poor conditions under which the recordings were made. The inside sleeve states that the music was recorded live using a reel-to-reel tape deck and an RCA mic. hung from the ceiling over the stage in the club where he was playing. While the recording is poor by today's standards it is none the less a must have for fans of Roy Buchanan.
Addendum: I thought that I would clarify that when I indicated the poor conditions that the CD was recorded under my comments were directly solely at the quality of the sound reproduction and NOT the atmosphere which as another reviewer has pointed out was expertly captured on this CD.

Oh yes, the recording is primitive, but it so evokes those blessed nights sitting transfixed at The Crossroads in Bladensburg, MD, listening to Roy play his magnum opus: "The Messiah Will Come Again." Each note stabs. And then the song explodes inside of you. And makes you wince, cry and smile at the same time. I think recording in studios flummoxed him a bit. But this song is the early, penetrating, unvarnished real thing right here.

I finally found an original of this album on Ebay. It actually came in a burlap cover. The great thing about the CD is that I can listen to it over and over again without worring about damaging it. This is an album you'll listen to over and over again. Although Jay felt the condition of the recording was a draw back, I think that's what gives it the extra star. You feel like your in that smoked filled room sitting right up close to the stage.

This CD is a fine representation of Roy Buchanan in his element, playing in a club. The band is fantastic: instruments are in tune, the band is tight, the singer is great and Roy is prominently featured. It was recorded at the Crossroads nightclub in Bladensburg Maryland circa 1971. In my opinion, this is Roy at his best. After listening to this, I now know here's a few tricks that Roy and Danny Gatton shared. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the quality of the recording isn't the best..... but it isn't horrible either.... like a really good bootleg. Very listenable and inspiring.

Roy Buchanan's version of "Down by the River" has a more emotional vocal melody *and* a more emotionally interesting guitar jam compared to the still-awesome Neil Young version. I'm not kidding. This is the ultimate version of the song. If you don't believe me, just order a copy of Roy Buchanan and the Snakestretchers. I guarantee your opinion will be a positive one.