Search - Mark Lemhouse :: Big Lonesome Radio

Mark Lemhouse
Big Lonesome Radio
Genres: Blues, Pop

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. You Can't Get that Stuff No More
2. What's the Matter With Papa's Little Angel Child
3. Baby Sister
4. Jealous Moon
5. Tappin' that Thing
6. Electra 225
7. Edwin's Lament
8. No One Can Forgive Me But My Baby
9. Mercy Mia
10. Pony Blues
11. One Hand Loose
12. Driftin'

CD Details

All Artists: Mark Lemhouse
Title: Big Lonesome Radio
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Yellow Dog Records
Original Release Date: 10/17/2002
Release Date: 10/17/2002
Genres: Blues, Pop
Styles: Traditional Blues, Regional Blues, Memphis Blues, Electric Blues, Acoustic Blues
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 823800103821

Synopsis

Album Description

Nominated for two W.C. Handy Awards in "Best Acoustic Blues Album" and "Best New Artist Debut" categories, Mark Lemhouse's debut release delivers string-strangling, gut-rocking blues ecstasy. Lemhouse reaches into a wicked toolbox - containing resonator chainsaw, electric tube-amp machete, and bottleneck auger - to uproot blues tradition with a vandal's glee. Recorded to analog tape with vintage mics at Easley/McCain Studios in Memphis, Big Lonesome Radio has a gritty feel that's more akin to a Howlin' Wolf or Jimmy Reed than a young man playing the blues in the 21st century has a right to sound. Melding together influences from Delta blues, Piedmont rag-style forms, and North Mississippi trance blues, Lemhouse's notes come across like crackling radio transmissions from a time gone by.

CD Reviews

Freshest I've heard in a long time...

J. Scott Moore | Longmont, CO USA | 03/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I can't get over how good it is! If you like reso guitar, you gotta hear this! This is an update, I goofed, I should have given it 5 STARS!!!!

Lemhouse kicks it off with a fantastic version of Tampa Red's "Can't Get That Stuff No More." The production has a nice vintage sound to it. The original doesn't have bass or drums and this updated version has great accompaniment work, perfect for this song. Lemhouse's vocals have just the right amount of growl.

Many of these tunes are pretty traditional even if he does crank it up and distort it at times or by adding other instrumentation. Many of these songs were solo pieces in their original form but Lemhouse keeps the accompaniment sparse and tasty.

Some covers on the disc seem to be perfectly suited for Lemhouse, though you wouldn't think so to look at the titles. A testament to Lemhouse's ability to translate a song. Notable is a rip-roarin' version of Tom Waits, "No One Can Forgive Me But My Baby" and a rockabilly tune by Charlie Feathers, "One Hand Loose".

If you think rockabilly on reso is out of left field, listen to Jealous Moon and Edwin's Lament. This is where it starts to get weird, in a good way, when he starts swinging a song or two and one of them is even a Tango.

Some of the strongest songs on this CD are Lemhouse's own compositions, including Edwin's Lament and Electra 225.

This is just a great blues effort. Somehow it's bare bones and at the same time it has a very big sound. Mostly guitar, bass and drums, this disc is just raw blues. It swings, it jams and Lemhouse really knows how to play slide guitar. Buy it!

"

Joel Krakowsky

Joel Krakowsky | Fredericksburg, VA USA | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, one of the best pure blues albums I have heard in quite a while. Mark Lemhouse covers a range of styles so the CD keeps suprising you while you listen. I noticed that Amazon is offering a couple of free MP3 tracks to download so don't take my word for it. Download the music, give a listen and then throw a copy in your checkout cart."