Booker T. & The MG's used to be my favorite band and STAX Records is still the baseline by which I measure all other soul music, past and present. So while I no longer listen to the MGs regularly, Potato Hole was still a must listen. Plus, it features Neil Young and the Drive-By Truckers. That's a pretty dynamite, if not quite intuitive, combination. Obviously, Young is a very different guitarist than Booker's old parter, Steve Cropper. However, the best songs are the ones that feature the fuzz and crunch of Young's guitar because it provides such a nice contrast to the B-3's clear and warbling rings. In particular, I like the gritty and soulful grind of "Pound It Out" and the lyrical organ on "Native New Yorker". The mellow second half of the album isn't quite as good as the more upbeat first half, and although it is isn't as awesome as it could be, it more than satisfies this fan.
May 12, 2009
Booker T. - Potato Hole (2009)
Booker T. & The MG's used to be my favorite band and STAX Records is still the baseline by which I measure all other soul music, past and present. So while I no longer listen to the MGs regularly, Potato Hole was still a must listen. Plus, it features Neil Young and the Drive-By Truckers. That's a pretty dynamite, if not quite intuitive, combination. Obviously, Young is a very different guitarist than Booker's old parter, Steve Cropper. However, the best songs are the ones that feature the fuzz and crunch of Young's guitar because it provides such a nice contrast to the B-3's clear and warbling rings. In particular, I like the gritty and soulful grind of "Pound It Out" and the lyrical organ on "Native New Yorker". The mellow second half of the album isn't quite as good as the more upbeat first half, and although it is isn't as awesome as it could be, it more than satisfies this fan.
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4 Comments:
Young on guitar sounds very cool, do you feel he delivers, and the album is a definite pick up? Steve Cropper is a hard act to follow...
If you like his old MG's albums, I think you'll like this, but I know some people have a hard time getting into an instrumental album. I'd sample the first four songs before you pick it up.
I can't comment on the music, but the album title sounds crass. I'm not sure why. Ha, it just rubs me the wrong way.
Well, it's on sale for $8.99. I'd say worth picking up at that price.
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