The Hard Stuff

George Thorogood

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2006)
• Original Release Date: May 30, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Eagle Records
• ASIN: B000FGG62A
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,362 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Brushing off criticisms that his albums all sound the same as casually as he peels off Chuck Berry licks from his trusty Gibson, George Thorogood keeps the faith on The Hard Stuff. Coproducer Jim Gaines (Jimmy Thackery, Santana, Luther Allison, Stevie Ray Vaughan), who knows his way around a bluesy riff, returns to add his touch. The combination of rugged production with a relatively varied set makes this a keeper in the bulging Thorogood catalog. The guitarist and his band churn through a rollicking set with as much enthusiasm and fire as someone with half his 56 years. The Stonesy attack of "Rock Party" is mixed with high-voltage shuffles ("Takin' Care of Business" [not the BTO tune]), swinging, upbeat instrumentals ("Cool It!"), and the usual assortment of unexpected covers from the likes of Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, and Fats Domino. Thorogood maintains a refreshing sense of self-deprecation on the boogielicious "I Didn't Know," where he repeats variations on the title with a wink and a smile. A surprisingly subtle acoustic cover of Bob Dylan's "Drifter's Escape" proves he isn't afraid to take it down a notch, and a sizzling, rootsy take on Johnny Shines's "Dynaflow Blues" shows his proficiency on National Steel slide guitar.

At almost an hour, the album is on the long side, but the playing is consistently inspired and Thorogood never sounds like he's going through the motions--no small feat at this stage of his thirty-plus-year career. With enough diversity to keep it interesting, The Hard Stuff proves the typically dependable Thorogood still has plenty of gas left in the tank to keep his cylinders firing. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars George shares the spotlight and gets inspired, June 21, 2006

By	Mark Munchenberg "Rock'n'Roll Is My Business,... (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What's old sound new again., June 29, 2006

By	William D. Engemann (West Branch, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rockin' House Party..., June 16, 2006

By	MikeVine - See all my reviews

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