GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERSGEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS

2120 South Michigan Ave.

[Capitol/EMI]

George Thorogood has always acknowledged a heavy debt to Chess Records’ pioneering Chicago blues artists, but on 2120 South Michigan Ave. he and his Destroyers pay formal tribute to the trailblazing guitarists and songwriters who influenced him. An original, “Going Back,” kicks things off in spirited blues-boogie fashion, but it’s the Chess covers that shine brightest. On Willie Dixon’s “Seventh Son,” Thorogood ratchets up the tempo to punk proportions, propelling the song with a locomotive guitar churn and a hefty dose of searing slide work. Chuck Berry’s “Let It Rock” and J.B. Lenoir’s “Mama Talk to Your Daughter” are delivered with similar scorched-earth abandon. Muddy Waters’ “Two Trains Running (Still a Fool)” simmers with a slow burn, and “Spoonful” is offered up with leisurely reverence for Howlin’ Wolf’s definitive version. Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite make guest appearances, but this is Thorogood’s show all the way. —Russell Hall

comment closed

Copyright © 2011 M Music & Musicians Magazine ·