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Bachman

Heavy Blues

Review by Gary Hill

I’ve always been torn when it comes to the output of Randy Bachman – or at least the major output. I’ve always been a huge fan of The Guess Who. I’ve never liked Bachman Turner Overdrive all that much, though. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this album. It’s Randy Bachman’s new power trio, but with a number of notable guests. I’d say that it lands somewhere between BTO and the Guess Who. It’s definitely heavier. It’s more of jam sound in a lot of ways. There is (as one might guess with a power trio) a lot of Cream on display here. Overall, I like this a lot, but there are a couple songs that rather disappoint me.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
The Edge

This screaming rocker makes me think of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at times. It has a real BTO sound beyond that. The chorus is definitely in line with that sound. It’s a solid rocker with catchy hooks and a good way to start this in style.

Ton Of Bricks featuring Scott Holiday
I absolutely love this song. It’s a screaming hot number. It’s heavy and blues, fitting the title of the album. Yet, it’s also modern and alternative rock based. This song is worth the price of admission all by itself.
Bad Child featuring Joe Bonamassa
This blues rocker has an almost garage band vibe to it. Still, it’s classy and has some scorching guitar soloing.
Little Girl Lost featuring Neil Young
Although this song is okay, it’s definitely not at the same level as some of the rest. It does have some nice crunch, though.
Learn To Fly
Although this bluesy rocker is more basic, it’s also very classy.
Oh My Lord featuring Robert Randolph
This rocker is more of a bluesy metallic jam. It’s one of the meaner and meatier pieces on the disc.
Confessin' To The Devil featuring Jeff Healey
There’s a real Bo Diddley beat to this number. It has a great tribal element, too. The percussion is busy and classy. It’s another strong piece.
Heavy Blues featuring Peter Frampton
This is another highlight of the set. The jazz section makes me think of The Guess Who quite a bit. The heavier movement is another that leans toward metal. It’s a killer track for sure. It’s another that is well worth getting this album.
Wild Texas Ride
Another screamer, this is great stuff. It’s another standout tune. It reminds me quite a bit of Cream.
Please Come To Paris featuring Luke Doucet
This is another song that don’t really do that much for me. This one and “Little Girl Lost” I’d consider the tunes to skip here. This just seems to lack a lot of charm, except for some of the guitar soloing.
We Need To Talk
A mellower rocker, this is another highlight of the set. It’s a great way to end it in style, too.
 
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