Show Me the Way Home, Honey

I just received the debut release, Unleashed, from the Hound Kings and I gotta say it's really super! The Hound Kings are carving their own niche in the blues world and seems like they have it all to themselves. They are presenting a fresh look at traditional style blues tracks. Opening with SSI Blues, Alabama Mike leads the way with clear natural vocals accompanied by Anthony Paule on acoustic slide and Scott Brenton on harp. These guys have taken a familiar pattern (Can't Be Satisfied) and created a brand new track worthy to hold it's own as a new track.I really like it. Drunk Honey Bee is up next and a really cool track. Each of the players are really perfect on their respective parts. Another Morganfield styled track, this is another really great song. I will say that I really prefer the originality of players who take roots of music and build something original (when it's done as nicely as it's done here) to a cover of the original in most cases. This sounds very fresh. Come Go Home With Me actually has sounds of Rolling Stones to it but yet done in a primitive blues style... very nice. The Real McCoy has a bit more of a contemporary sound but still with simple acoustic accompaniment and harp. Don't Drag My Love Down is a really cool blues track with a pop edge. It puts me in mind of one of my acoustic rock favorites, Jonathan Edwards. Again, the band is tight and nothing is wasted. Recession Blues could be right from the Robert Johnson song book with the perfect melody and turn. Brenton plays really well over the vocals and Paule knows just how to keep the guitar rhythm on track. The Thang has a lot of the feel of Van Morrison. You may say that it's a stretch but that's what I hear. This is a very strong bluesy ballad. You Got Issues is a really nice R&B style track which really highlights Alabama Mikes vocals. You Gotta Move, the Fred McDowell and Gary Davis track is given a facelift and much closer to the original than to later covers. It has a nice Piedmont pace and Paule blows a cool solo on the track. Really nice and worthwhile cover. Finishing up with Mercy Dee Walton's Red Light, this is a track that would be well suited for Little Richard or Hound Dog Taylor. This is a great conclusion to this really super recording in a strong blues rocker fashion. Brenton has an other opportunity to play out his harp and does a really nice job. I know that I haven't done this recording justice because I really like it but can't really describe to any degree how good it is. If you like hot acoustic blues...this may be the cd of the year! ~Review by Bman