Tag: george lynch

The Dead Line label is renowned for putting out all these tributes to albums, most of which I avoid like the plague, but I really enjoy these Heavy Hitters albums because they cover tracks that you would not think that they would cover. Add to that, I’m a big fan of Mr. Lynch and the band is killer, so it’s a no brainer really. 

Inspired choice of opener with a great version of Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer. Bernard Fowler’s vocals add that soulful touch to a heavied up groove, it’s my favourite track. The version of Carry On originally done by CSNY is superb, adding a killer blues groove to the mix. Tough choice in doing a cover of Billy Squire’s The Stroke because the original is such a great rendition but they do an admirable job, it is played just a tad slower and they funk it up in all the right places. Radioactive is a weird choice for me, as Imagine Dragons are way off my radar but you hear the original everywhere and this sounds like a Lynch Mob tune except for that chorus. Smokestack Lightning has been done by tons of bands over the years and as you’d expect, they have beefed it up somewhat with a more heavy funky groove and it sounds awesome. Side 1 closes out with a cover of the old Sam & Dave song Hold On (I’m Coming), and this one’s suitably funked up.

Side 2 starts as Side 1 ends, with another Sam & Dave song Stay With Me where they make full use of the soulful tones of Bernard’s voice. Tears For Fears get the treatment next with a cover of Shout, and this one doesn’t work, it sounds a bit flat. A fairly standard version of Jumping Jack Flash follows with a tasty little solo from George. Sly Stones Thank You slips on in and fits perfectly with the funk theme all over this record. The albums ends with Its A Wonderful Life, the only original on the album where Jeff Pilson takes lead vocal. 

It feels as though this is George’s 200th release…this year! He’s involved in so many projects as well as all his own stuff that it’s hard to keep track.

If you follow and read my warblings here, then you will know that I’m a big fan of The George and was super stoked to find out that this new solo record was coming out. The only thing that is wrong with my pressing is it’s a bit on the quiet side.

Superb opener with The Knowing, a very atmospheric tune with George laying down some very tasteful playing. Psycho Beta ups the tempo somewhat and this is a trademark George tune. It has a groove and feel that he comes back to a lot. I love the main melody line and there is some killer playing in this one. Tony Franklin guests on the album and his trademark slides are at the intro before the double kicks start pounding and a beast of an uptempo groove takes over, George is really ripping on this one.

A super fun tune follows with Borracho Boogie Deluxe. It does what it says on the tin basically, with George showing some of his slide skills. Shadow Of The Needle is a cool tune as George is exploring with different tones and sounds without forsaking the groove. A very cool blues groove is up next with The Wolf. Lots of weird swell effects mixed in with some killer playing, and I’m saying this is my favourite tune on the record. The blues is carried over to Serpentarium but the groove and tone is way dirtier but it’s all about the guy with the six strings. The Ritual is up next and the initial riff and groove are heavy funk. Love the vibe to this one, he seems to be using First Nation grooves and vibes. The album closes out with Contraflow, a very cool laid back fusion groove with some superb playing and tones.

So there we go, another highly enjoyable solo romp from The George.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

This album first came out in 2011, but this a Deadline reissue. I’m a huge fan of the George and he has become very prolific in the latter stages of his career releasing some killer work, both solo and in projects.

This album, although a solo album, feels like a band. First track in is the title track and man what a killer opening it is. Superb hook and chorus, and George is imperious best playing a killer solo and the riff and groove are superb. Done follows and has a wicked groove, and the guilt sound is awesome. Flys On The Wall is next, I really love the hook and chorus, and the groove is slightly different. Brand New Day starts with a slow groove, and the vocal is very 90’s in style. Wicked Witch is quite a laid back acoustic piece until they plug in to power ballad territory. Love that guitar intro to Voices In My Head, it’s the same vocal style by (I think) Will Martin, and the solo saves the day as it’s top drawer from George. Killer groove at the intro to Resurrect Your Soul, then when the main guitar kicks in its pure Dokken.

Rattlesnake opens up Side 3 and the hook and chorus are superb. Keith St John provides the vocals on this one, plus the George adds the sprinkles with another killer solo. It’s favourite track time next with Sun. A killer drum and guitar intro with Marq Torien on vocals. Such a great tune that stands out because of that weird, almost rockabilly intro. Man On Fire follows and that heavy blues guitar riff is awesome. My Own Enemy is a slower groove, but that solo is just superb. I’m sure everyone is familiar with George’s famous solo piece Mr. Scary, well this is an updated version, albeit with a slightly different main riff and the groove swings a lot more. Got it Alone closes out the album proper and this is pure LA Sunset Strip groovearama. I love that riff and guitar tone. There is a bonus track on this version: Someone You Loved, a cover of the Lewis Capaldi track.

Another solid album by George and I’m sure this year will bring some surprises.

9/10 from The Grooveman.