There's something incredibly cool about slide guitar, and Ed Williams (the Li'l Ed of Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials) knows what it is. Get Wild!, the group's fourth album for Alligator Records, is the perfect party spi... more »n--even when Li'l Ed and company slow down (as they do for the I've-done-wrong-in-my-life, gospel-inflected "Change My Way of Living"), it's still high-octane. James "Pookie" Young has some of the fattest bass on CD, and his lines support uptempo, high-energy songs like "Singing Slide," "You Got to Stop," "Independent Superwoman," and "Nothing I Wouldn't Do." If Williams (who learned his technique from uncle and slide guitar legend J.B. Hutto) isn't the most technically accomplished guitar-slinger on the planet, he makes up for that in sheer infectious enthusiasm. Get Wild! is fun all the way through. --Genevieve Williams« less
There's something incredibly cool about slide guitar, and Ed Williams (the Li'l Ed of Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials) knows what it is. Get Wild!, the group's fourth album for Alligator Records, is the perfect party spin--even when Li'l Ed and company slow down (as they do for the I've-done-wrong-in-my-life, gospel-inflected "Change My Way of Living"), it's still high-octane. James "Pookie" Young has some of the fattest bass on CD, and his lines support uptempo, high-energy songs like "Singing Slide," "You Got to Stop," "Independent Superwoman," and "Nothing I Wouldn't Do." If Williams (who learned his technique from uncle and slide guitar legend J.B. Hutto) isn't the most technically accomplished guitar-slinger on the planet, he makes up for that in sheer infectious enthusiasm. Get Wild! is fun all the way through. --Genevieve Williams
"Lil' Ed sings and plays with a fury and enthusiasm that is unmatched. The band provides a relentless driving groove for Ed to slither, slide, and work his magic. From start to finish this album grabs a hold of you, shakes you, and does not let you quit moving. The songs are great too. In them Lil Ed tells fun stories and some sad ones too. You can tell he lives the blues and it has always been important to him. One of the best albums I have heard in a long time. It might even be Lil Ed's best."
Slide Magic
05/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I listen to this Album (Get Wild) I can't sit still at all. My toes are tapping & my fingers are snapping! This is definately a Great CD."
L'il Ed's Triumphant Return to the Blues Imperials!
Mark D. Greenwald | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | 10/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It was a true relief to hear that Lil Ed was back with the Blues Imperials. After too long of a hiatus, he has rejoined with his former band mates and put together another stellar effort for Alligator records. He, more than any of his contemporaries, captures the feel of a live show on disc. Ed, Pookie & the gang put on a terrific jumping houseparty in the studio and show that they haven't lost a step. Nothing beats a live show but their discs never disappoint. Pocono Blues appearance a few years ago was best show I've ever seen... even Clarence Gatemouth Brown came out to catch their performance. Crowd was nearly as frantic and energized as Ed by the time he wrapped up the show. Must get this CD if you like the jumpin blues!"