"Guilty of Love" continues a string of solid albums for the Tommy Castro Band (although this time with the 33rd Street Records label instead of Blind Pig.) The album presents the same type of straight-ahead mix of blues, soul, and rock that have brought Castro so much popularity in recent years.
The upbeat title track features the final recorded work of the late and truly great John Lee Hooker. Hooker's contributions to the track were minimal- little more than some spoken-word backing vocals. Nevertheless, it closed the book on a long and priceless recorded legacy while getting the album off to a good start. I'm told a "Guilty of Love" temporary tattoo can be obtained exclusively at their live shows (although I certainly would not put something like that past Ebay!) "Somebody to Love You" is a catchy tune
that embodies the full sound that is present on the majority of the album (driving rhythm guitar, saxophone, backup vocals.) In sharp contrast, the following track "Blinded in the Face of Love" reveals a more stripped down incarnation of the band and showcases Tommy's vocal prowess. "Ain't No Fun To Me" features some of Tommy's best fretwork on the album. On this soul-infused groove Tommy's unique sense of timing produces a slight tension that holds the listener captive. The album closes with a strong slow blues
number entitled "Dirt Road Blues," during which Tommy "burns one" of his best guitar solos on the album.
Tommy Castro is a fiery guitar player, sincere vocalist, clever writer, and excellent live performer. It seems that crossover success is within reach for this band. "Guilty of Love" extends the fine body of recorded work the band has accumulated over the past seven years.
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