gospel of “Mission Temple Fireworks Stand,” and the classic “Burn Down The Trailerpark,” the ultimate get-even directed at an unfaithful lover. And what about “Pimps & Preachers,” the story of Thorn’s life lessons and who he learned them from? Yeah, these are a few of Paul’s “greatest hits,” for sure. He includes a couple of cover tunes, kind
of a rarity in the grand scheme of things, as he and Billy Maddox have co-written a seem- ingly endless catalog of uniquely Paul Thorn classics. That being said, his cover of Ray Wylie Hubbard’s addictive “Snake Farm” is excellent, as is the Elvin Bishop penned “What The Hell is Goin’ On,” a song for the ages that could have been the theme of the 2016 Presidential Election. And the hits just keep on comin’ with “I Don’t Like Half the Folks I Love,” “Long Way from Tupelo,” Bull Mountain Bridge,” “What Have You Done to Lift Somebody Up,” “Old Stray Dogs & Jesus,” “I Have a Good Day Every Now and Then,” and a new song that is listed as a bonus track called “Rose City.” Now how much would you pay? But wait! There’s even more! The package includes a bonus CD of Paul
Thorn live, recorded at a famous venue that is top secret. That’s right! Like the Bat Cave! There are nine more hits performed live as only The Paul Thorn Band can do ‘em. In- cluded is one of my own favorites, (kind of my theme song) “I Hope I’m Doin’ This Right.” Paul’s autobiographical “Hammer & Nail” is front and center, as it should be, and the optimistic “Don’t Let Nobody Rob You of Your Joy.” Another one of my own personal favorites, the melancholy “That’s Life” is in- cluded as well. All in all, you get an awful lot of great music
here for your music buying dollar, and let me just say, it’s all good – often great. Makes a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
Foghat Under The Influence (Foghat Records) Say kids, say you like to
rock and roll? Just drop the needle on the latest release from the classic rock band
Foghat, and get your dancin’ shoes to shuf- flin.’ The CD version has been out for a few months, but get this memo, vinyl junkies - Under The Influence is now available on high grade vinyl, a 2-LP set with gatefold. God, I love analog! I am honest when I tell you, Under the In-
fluence is one of the best, rockingest records I have heard by Foghat, or by anybody. I mean, dude! From the title track all the way through 12 great songs, it is balls to the wall sonic bombast. Check out Bryan Bassett’s red hot guitar work on “She’s Got a Ring in His Nose!” Not to mention the fact that the lyrics are fantastic. For any of you brothers who have experienced a “ball and chain” relation- ship, you will identify. As if it was planned, the very next song is all about a guy after the breakup, as he expounds upon the joys of being a bachelor in “Upside of Lonely.”Again, brilliant song writing! Say you like the occasional cover tune?
How about the classic Marvin Gaye song, “Heard it Through the Grape Vine?” I can dig it. And the other cover - wait, it’s not a cover if its your song, right? A brand new version of the band’s biggest hit, “Slow Ride.” Sounds great! The album was produced by the great Tom
Hambridge. I have yet to see a project with Tom’s name attached that wasn’t just stellar. The album is also special for it’s guests
artists, including former Buddy Guy Band member Scott Holt, who is front and center on Roger Earl’s side project, Earl & The Agi- tators. (See review in Quarternotes). Former Foghat producer and player Nick Jameson joins the party, as does Kim Simmonds, who gave Roger Earl his first shot in the band
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