Canned Heat have been one of the leading exponents of American party blues, ever since their early beginnings at Woodstock, '69 - and before that at Topanga Corral -- oh so live!!! The 'Heat's' cool new CD, 'Friends In the Can', starts off innocently enough with a very "Let's Work Together"-sounding "Same Old Games" - but softly executed, while relaxing and entertaining all at the same time. Stanley Behrens' vocals are easy to take, as is the rhythm section, in this familiar sounding yet moving number.
Then just when you think the mood's set, the 'Heat' jump right out at ya with the ballistically 'beserk' "Bad Trouble"; featuring some tantalizing slide guitar courtesy of special guest guitarist, Roy Rogers. Rogers perfectly complements Dallas Hodge's rousing vocals and lead guitar licks, while John Paulus' heavy duty rhythm guitar adds the right kinda 'trouble' to make "Bad Trouble", one of the most compelling blues tunes I've ever heard!
As we're getting our bluesy breath again (after that so 'bad trouble'), we're relaxed with some very fine ground "Black Coffee". A peaceful flowing arrangement like this is just what the blues doctor ordered! Then some blues/rock in the form of "Getaway". It features Corey Stevens' upbeat vocals and lead guitar, along with Hodge's powerful rhythm guitar.
One of my fave 'Heat' tunes is "Let's Work Together". It's featured 'in the can' so-to-speak, in a rousing rendition, led to bluesy wonderment by Hodge's vocals - gotta love 'em! Long-time 'Heat' alumnus Larry Taylor's bass lines reb up my blues motor, every time I hear them. Very cool that Larry's on this excellent CD. Paulus' slide guitar helps make "Let's…" a big winner like no other -- as does Harvey Mandel's solid guitar rhythms.
"1, 2, 3, Here We Go Again", (Same Old Blues), is slow 'n sexy in all the right places! It sure can hit your libido in the best way, well-crafted blues always will! Hodge says it all with, "Pass over the Jack Daniels, Baby, and sit a spell" -- well chosen lyrics, and so appropriate, as are Paulus' truly indispensable guitar licks. They go well together like cream 'n coffee, (right outta the can)!
"That Fat Cat" is sure to please any jazz-influenced blues lover in the crowd. Paulus' inspired leads, go well with Greg Kage's vivid story-telling lyrics. Behrens adds a nice touch here on congas!
Walter Trout's vocals on "Home To You", are entrancing! Pulsatingly addictive lyrics, such as -- "ya know I've had enough playin' this game, all I want is to get myself home to you" -- sum up why relationships happen in the first place - and last! Trout screams his vocals out with wild abandon - ingeniously blending with Kage's hypnotic bass lines.
We get a real treat in "Never Get Out of These Blues Alive", featuring the incomparable, iconic vocals of Taj Mahal himself! Kage's bass lines are captivating once again - he really outdoes himself on harp! John Lee Hooker conveys some blues wisdom near the end of this tune, sharing fond memories of his time with the Heat; when he recorded the classic boogie album 'Hooker 'n Heat', with them.
This too-good-to-be-true JL Hooker dissertation, is an ingenious lead-in to his vocals on "Little Wheel" -- "lettin' it roll wit ya baby all over town". Henry Vestine's sweet blues guitar licks here, pay tribute to the greatness of 'the Hook' as no others can! So do Larry Taylor's rousin' 'n rockin' bass lines, and Fito de la Parra's groovin' drum expertise - they've all got it together - oh yeah!
Just so I'll never want to take this impeccably put together CD outta it's player … the Heat whip up yet another version of the immortal Wilbert Harrison's "Let's.Work.Together" … (The first of two well-chosen bonus blues tracks included here). Blues this good could stop a war dead in it's tracks! Robert Lucas' vocals really outdo themselves on "Let's…". as do his slithery slide guitar licks. Larry Taylor's bass lines, again shine their 'blues magic', on "Let's…" -- added to with zest by the energizing effect of Mandel's rousing rhythm guitar playing.
'In The Can ends its fine selection of tunes with yet another bonus track -- another remix of "Getaway" - this is the version slotted, to go out as a single. Its upbeat emotions add a lift that sparks yet another highly enjoyable listen to this very fine Canned Heat, 'Friends In The Can' CD. Thanks guys! May the spirit of the boogie be forever on ya!!!!!!
Artist: Canned Heat
Album: 'Friends In the Can'
Label: fuel 2000 records
Canned Heat website: www.cannedheatmusic.com
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