Search - Peter Tork, Shoe Suede Blues :: Saved By Blues

Looking for some great blues? This is the WRONG place!

Dave | United States | 12/06/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Here's Peter Tork again--instead of tossing off another duet album with James Lee Stanley, here he's got a 4-piece combo playing straightahead blues music. This CD, "Saved By The Blues", was released in 2003--it's partly live performance & partly recorded in the studio, and more than partly, it's an embarassment. I don't deny Tork's genuine love of the blues, but he sounds seriously out of his element on here. Sonically, the CD sounds nice, & drummer John Palmer & bass guitarist Michael Sunday both do a fine job. However, Tork has never exactly been a great singer in the first place, & vocally, he frequently falls flat on his face here, & the one track that he has a writing credit on, "Dress Sexy For Me", is utterly cringe-worthy. Seemingly somewhat aware of his limitations, Tork has guitarist Richard Michaels handle a bunch of the lead vocals, but it doesn't help much. "Kiss and Tell" runs on exhaustingly as if their main goal was to make the song last more than 5 minutes, & it features a guitar solo, presumably by Tork, that is one of the most laughably clumsy and aimless I've ever heard on an official album by a veteran artist, although it does provide the disc with camp value. The album closer "Come On In My Kitchen" is so sluggish, it's eye-roll inducing. Tork largely sounds like he was sleepwalking through his performances on this CD as if it was past his bedtime. They do pull off a nicely-swinging version of "Route 66", but overall, this CD fails to either be gritty & emotional, or to be just plain mindless fun. In other words, it's a major drag."

Listen and you too will be saved by the blues

Syndy | 07/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, I admit it, I've been a Monkees fan for 28 years, but I do have other interests including a growing one in the blues. So, I gave this a whirl and loved it--fantastic CD. It's open, honest, fun, and sexy. I especially loved "Treat Her Right" and "Dress Sexy For Me". You'll say yes to anything after listening to those--very hot! It's a great CD to listen to on a night at home with dinner and your date. Great to dance to and flirt to. It'll also get you up and moving if you're looking for something fun to work out to. You won't regret it. Tork always had talent and always said the music came first with him. It clearly does. This is one of the best CDs I've heard in years. He and his band can be proud of this one and you won't regret giving it a try."