By DJ Monk
To mark their return to the Über Kingdom for the first time in more than 45 years, southern boogie legends Foghat are treating us to two classic re-issues from the latter days of their extensive back catalogue, in the shape of what was surprisingly only their second live album and a long out-of-print studio album from the turn of the last decade.
Originally released in 2006 – some 29 years after their only previous live album (these guys obviously believe in taking their time about brewing things) – ‘Live II’ showcases a band at the height of their powers, still highly relevant at a stage in their careers when most of their contemporaries were starting to wilt and wither on the vine. When you think of southern boogie, you mind automatically sends forward names such as The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet and, more latterly, the likes of The Black Crowes and Black Stone Cherry. But there is no doubt that Foghat always have been near the top of the “almost made it” contenders list, and this album definitely argues their case for being one of the more consistent acts within the genre.
Eschewing the flag-waving antics of some of their contemporaries, Foghat always concentrated on creating good, danceable grooves, and ‘Live II’ emphasizes why many security staff told fans off for boogieing in the aisles. Easing us in gently with ‘Night Shift’, this recording quickly moves into top gear with the infectious shuffle of ‘Take Me To The River’ and ‘Stone Blue’, before Bryan Bassett’s trademark slide guitar takes things to the next level to present us with an energetic and vibrant set of good old fashioned rock ‘n’f’n’ roll songs which entertain on every level. And, hey, any band that has a drum solo entitled ‘Bang Bang’ is OK in my books.
This re-issue is an exact replica of the original release, including six tracks appended from the band’s rehearsals, which, to be honest, we really could have done without – especially the horrendous ‘DC and Bad Company srip-offs; but nevertheless is a very timely re-release which should definitely put long-term fans in the mood for their above-mentioned imminent return to the Über Kingdom this summer.
- ‘Live II’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
‘Last Train Home’ was originally released in 2010 as Foghat’s 16th, and so far penultimate, studio album. It’s something of a slow burner, with opener ‘Born For The Road’ being something of a disappointingly languid introduction, before ‘Needle & Spoon’ makes amends with its upbeat New Orleans gris-gris style, while Charlie Huhn’s vocal on ‘So Many Roads, So Many Trains’ eerily reminds me of Gary Moore – a reminiscence accentuated by Bassett’s laid back guitar mien.
When first released, ‘Last Train Home’ was billed as Foghat returning to their blues roots, and they definitely succeeded in doing that, as the album is drenched much more in the blues, especially on the likes of their laconic interpretation of Elmore James’ ‘It Hurts Me Too’, than the southern country which characterized most their, more commercially-successful, output. Of course, there’s still plenty of rock ‘n’ roll in there, with ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ defiantly turning the clock back to the late Fifties with its Haley-esque bass sound and Jerry Lee Lewis-evoking piano, while ‘Louisiana Blues’ defies its title by pumping and grinding with a pure-blooded NOLA groove. And ‘495 Boogie’ features some of the sweetest harp you’ll ever hear in this or any other lifetime.
Again, a very worthy and timely re-issue which reminds us that great music, and especially great blues and rock ‘n’ roll, definitely and defiantly stands the test of time.
- ‘Last Train Home’ is released on 13 March. You can get your copy HERE.
- Foghat play the main stage at Ramblin’ Man Fair on Sunday 19 July.
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