The Dead Daisies release an album of vintage blues with sonic muscle.
The Dead Daisies – Lookin’ For Trouble – Fame Records FAM 33118 stereo vinyl and CD, 37:12 ****1/2:
(John Corabi – vocals; Doug Aldrich – guitar; David Lowy – guitar; Michael Devin – bass; Sarah Tomek – drums)
The progression of blues into the mainstream culture has been complicated. It is an American genre associated with folk, rhythm and blues, soul and especially rock and roll. Blues musicians recorded for specialty labels with inferior technology and limited radio accessibility. Ironically, the British rock invasion helped to re-introduce blues to U.S. audiences. They adapted the covers and originals as homage to the forgotten legends. They utilized modern technology and even brought established blues artists on tour.
The Dead Daisies are a self-described musical collective. They formed in 2012 with players associated with heavy metal bands. They utilize a rotating lineup, and have toured and recorded frequently. Their latest album, Lookin’ For Trouble (also available on CD) takes on blues standards, with high-voltage sonically enhanced rock dynamics. They recorded at the esteemed Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. The present group is comprised of John Corabi (vocals), Doug Aldrich (guitar), David Lowy (guitar), Michael Devin (bass) and Sarah Tomek (drums). Side A opens with a Willie Dixon composition that was recorded by Muddy Waters. With incendiary guitars, the arrangement is pure high-voltage rock that is relentless. The dual guitars let loose and Corabi’s gritty vocals capture the spirit of the project. Next up is the much covered “Going Down” (a notable one by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961). There are hard-edged grooves and ferocious rhythm. This is more like traditional 70’s rock covers with searing acoustics and unmitigated energy. The band’s cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” diverges from the original version (and most subsequent ones) and sustains a magnetic resonance that is just explosive. Ram Jam delivered a celebrated metal rock take on “Black Betty” (a song credited to Lead Belly). This version has a similar gritty vibe and punctuation, but there is more of a groove with funky harmonica. It is a freewheeling celebration. On “The Thrill Is Gone”, the guitar aesthetics benefit from studio effects (with a great solo) and Corabi’s steady gut-wrenching vocals (with a nice touch of falsetto) are complementary.
Picking up the pace and attitude Freddy King’s trademark “Born Under A Bad Sign” leans more toward rock groups (Cream, Jimi Hendrix, MC5, SRV), but it is within the artistic vision of the group. “Crossroads” (one of two Robert Johnson songs) is different from the well-known Cream track. The denser sound mix adds to the muscular performance that’s among the best. On “Sweet Home Chicago” The Dead Daisies adopt the basic presentation of this Robert Johnson classic that is similar to other raucous ones by blues purveyors like Magic Sam. (Notably Buddy Guy and B’B’ King performed this tune at the White House.) The frontal guitar assault never abates. “Walking The Dog” (by Rufus Thomas) starts with a rocket-fueled “hand-jive” that morphs into a vocalese call and response. A customary rock template with crisp, distorted guitar carries this number. The finale, “Little Red Rooster” is “down ’n’ dirty” and feels closer to the Howlin’ Wolf hit.
Lookin’ For Trouble is a fresh modern take on the blues genre. The sound mix is vibrant, and the guitar tonality and vocals are centered.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Lookin’ For Trouble
TrackList:
Side A: I’m Ready; Going Down; Boom Boom; Black Betty; The Thrill Is Gone
Side B: Born Under A Bad Sign; Crossroads; Sweet Home Chicago; Walking The Dog; Little Red Rooster
CD TrackList:
I’m Ready; Going Down; Boom Boom; Black Betty; The Thrill Is Gone; Born Under A Bad Sign; Crossroads; Sweet Home Chicago; Walking The Dog; Little Red Rooster
