The holy one’s big damn band are inexplicably left locked in the belfry for this nigh-on-solo tribute set to a blues legend. Someone get the keys off him...
The extensive back catalogue of legendary bluesman Charley Patton is the starting point for the Rev’s sixth album, with 13 tracks picked out for what could have been a stonking reimagination.
But don’t spin this expecting to hear much of the Big Damn Band. This is a straight-laced covers album heavily featuring Peyton on vocals, and some twee but atmospheric slide guitar, banjo and the rest.
For anyone unfamiliar with Peyton’s vocals, they sit on just the right side of nasal, but benefit from the kind of call and response featured on Elder Greene Blues, with a plucky lass providing some aural relief.
He also indulges himself with three separate attempts at Some Of These Days I’ll Be Gone, which is more than a little wearing.
2 stars
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