The Blasters
Going Home Live
Shoutfactory - 30244
available on Amazon
This 72 plus minute disc was recorded live on August 13, 2003, at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, California, and shows the band playing an incandescent show. Some friends who were influential to the bands sound join them at times on stage, and these friends only add to the music mix. If you decide this disc makes you want to see the band you can get a DVD that gives you this show plus some early footage from the band on the screen for your visual delight. The band plays an extremely heady mix of blues, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues that has been honed by years of playing in clubs, though this set was recorded after a long hiatus of way too many years for music fans. This 5 piece line-up consists of Phil Alvin on lead vocals and guitar, brother Dave Alvin on guitar and backing vocals, Bill Bateman on drums, Gene Taylor on keyboards, and John Bazz on bass. The band in the early days survived on their raw energy as they evolved into the musicians they are today. The guests that join them on the stage are people whose sound they loved and exerted a strong impact on them while they were growing up. R & B influences of The Calvanes and The Medallions had a do-wop influence on their vocal style. Rockabilly legend Sonny Burgess who’s raw singing energy held their sway. Chicago blues legend Billy Boy Arnold who helped form the foundation root of their music.
Today they still have that incredible bursting energy, but it is now back by adroit musicianship, which give the band even more freedom than
before. Listening to an old disc and this one they seem even tighter now than they were before the extended vacation. A great disc to have for going down the road it is guaranteed to get you through the plains of West Texas alive and pumping with energy.
1. Marie Marie
2. Real Rock Drive
3. Border Radio
4. Crazy Baby
5. Help You Dream (with The Calvanes & The Medallions)
6. Have Mercy Baby (with The Calvanes & The Medallions)
7. No Other Girl
8. Don’t You Lie To Me
9. So Long Baby Goodbye
10. Red Headed Woman (with Sonny Burgess)
11. Wandering Eye (with Billy Boy Arnold)
12. American Music
13. One Bad Stud (with The Calvanes & The Medallions)
14. JB Lenoir Jam
15. All Your Love
16. Flip Flop Fly