Not necessarily the album that was expected ... but a hugely impressive one nonetheless.
Reverting to something more akin to their Savoy Brown roots, Foghat return with what could basically be described as an all out, hard rockin' blues album, and damn fine it is too. Brimming with big meaty riffs, rollicking rhythms that charge like a bull on heat and a massive bass rumble, 'Last Train Home' is as authentic a rough and ready blues workout as you'll ever want to hear. Charlie Huhn's vocals add to the in your face outlook of the album, and while every aspect of this disc illustrates just how much the band enjoyed putting this collection of songs together, his vocals along with the guitar work of Bryan Bassett and Colin Earl's sparring keyboards really elevate what could have been a throwaway nod at a genre into a living breathing tribute to the music that so much of what we take for granted these days came from.
The likes of the fantastic low slung '495 Boogie' or the hip thrusting, holler of 'Needle & Spoon' get you thoroughly involved with the heartfelt grooves that are laid down on this record with such a passion, that it is virtually impossible not to be both impressed and moved by the care that has gone into these songs. That said, it is when 'Last Train Home' puts its foot to the metal that this album really comes alive, with the thumping stomp and glorious slide guitar work of the title track and the full pelt attack of 'Rollin' And Tumblin'/You Need Love' providing a hefty kick up the rear. Both of these tracks are the type of songs that make you want to move to the beat and whether you're a dancer or not, you'll find yourself walking in time, clapping along and generally lost in the groove laden music.
Eddie 'Bluesman' Kirkland guests on vocals on the closing pair of songs, 'In My Dreams' and 'Good Good Day' with his blues soaked voice and flowing guitar adding even more authenticity to an album that isn't a band trying to play the blues, this is a band who've mastered the genre and are just letting it flow out of them. Amazingly for a man in his mid eighties, Kirkland brings a huge, easy going energy to the two songs, but considering that the day he met up with the band to record his parts, he actually changed the brake shoes and alternator on his car prior to driving to the studio, there should be no doubting the man's vigour!
Not necessarily the album that was expected from Foghat at this stage of their career, but a hugely impressive one nonetheless.
Steven Reid
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