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.
Showing posts with label Booker T and the MGs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Booker T and the MGs. Show all posts
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.
August 31, 2008
Steve Cropper & Felix Cavaliere - Nudge It Up A Notch (2008)
What’s up gang? It’s been a minute or two since I got it together and found my way down to the record store. But I found this gem and felt obliged to share it with yall’. Steve Cropper used to play guitar and write songs for Otis Redding, The Blues Brothers, and Jeff Beck. Also, he played with Booker T & the MGs for a long time, no big deal. He teamed up with Felix Cavaliere the singer for “The Young Rascals”, and needless to say, they cooked up some tasty R&B/Rock gumbo. They have a super soulful, light and breezy sound. The kind of sound where it would be impossible to be in a bad mood and listen to them jam. You could get rear ended in your car and be like, “It’s Okay! No insurance info necessary! I have Cropper and Cavaliere on the stereo!” Also, on a random note, I have no doubt that they would be the best wedding reception band of all time, ever. Tracks like, “One of Those Days” “To Make It Right” “Impossible” and “If I Wasn’t Lovin You” would bring the house down. “Full Moon Tonight” and “Without You” also rip. The only thing I don’t like is their name. It’s too long and complicated. If I were them I would change it to “Chicken and Waffles”. Quickcrit gang, your thoughts?
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