The ultimate blues and boogie band!
M. G. Kimmel | St. Louis, MO | 10/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kim Simmonds has been Savoy Brown for doggone near 40 years now (Shakedown came out in 1967). Every incarnation of the band has had Simmonds on guitar. Early formation saw part of the band (Dave Peverett, Roger Earl, and Tone Stevens) split to form FOGHAT.
Just like there's no mistaking Simmonds' guitar, the same can be said for Chris Youlden's voice. And this two LP combo on one CD gives you a few of Savoy's best tracks.
First, I think 'Tell Mama' is one of my all-time favorite songs PERIOD! Here it is from the Street Corner Talking release. 'Let It Rock' is another goodie. 'Can't Get Next To You' is a Motown ditty that's been redone a time or two by different folks. I think Rare Earth did a great job on it, but Savoy Brown does a darned fine job, as well.
'Troubled By These Days And Times' and 'If I Could See An End'... Hmmm. Prophetic titles, eh? (Hockey term)
'Wang Dang Doodle' is spectazmagoric! I made that up, but I think you get the idea. It's cool and fun (and maybe a bit haunting with Simmonds' guitar).
But to round out the whole thing is the epic tale of the 'Hellbound Train.'
"I'm goin down the road on the hellbound train. Take a last look baby 'cause you won't see me again."
What to expect? Very good guitar. Unique vocals. What I'd classify as semi-psychedelic blues. Extended jams to showcase Simmonds talent.
What not to expect? Mainstream, Clapton/King blues. Foghat-esque boogie. Two or three minute songs. Can't tell a good story in that length of time!
When you get tired of hearing the various 'new' bands who sound the same vocally or sound the same as far as guitar is concerned, etc., just grab any of the early Savoy Brown albums - this pair is a great place to start!"
If you're a Savoy Brown fan, then you have to buy this
Cave Eyes | 08/28/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great 2-albums-for-the-price-of-one collection. You get yerself two classic Savoy Brown albums (especially Street Corner Tallking), both remastered, with some decent liner notes. The sound is more up-to-date than the old Deram versions, so this purchase was a no-brainer for me. The only downside is that the artwork has been shrunk to nearly nothing, but that's a small price to pay for the upgrade in audio quality."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1