His cover of Fats Domino's "Hello Josephine" is delivered in his trademark gravely voice, but he and the band play it with just the right touch so it has that distinctive Fats' sound. It's only appropriate that they have dedicated that track to the people of New Orleans and as they put it their "undying spirit" as Fats had to be rescued from the aftermath of Katrina.
George may claim to be only a glorified bar band player, but his versatility puts him in a league by himself. Sure he can still kick the doors down with tracks like "I Didn't Know", but the two songs preceding it, the poppy "I Got My Eyes On You" and the rockabilly/blues of "Moving," show his range as both a guitarist and singer have diversified. He has developed into the full-fledged blues player that he always showed he could be.
He's got far more than just power and speed to offer anymore and that makes him far more interesting a performer and musician. Listen to the almost country blues of his version of "Little Rain Falling" by Jimmy Reed and Ewart Abner and you'll hear a person who's understood that the Blues are a feeling not just a guitar style.
Further proof that he's not someone to be easily painted into a corner stylistically when it comes to his interpretation of what is and isn't the Blues is his inclusion of the poignant "The Drifter's Escape" by Bob Dylan. Here he reveals his sensitivity to material over form and offers up a fine version of this song.
Now in case anybody was worrying, he's still one of the meanest, fastest slide players to come along in years, and can still burn the paint right of walls he gets so hot on occasion. Don't for a second believe that he's mellowed out or anything stupid like that. I was just letting you know that his abilities extend far beyond those of the dynamo that can power a small city.
If you're like me and haven't heard any of George Thorogood's music in a while, a die hard fan, or if somehow or other you're new to the man The Hard Stuff is an album you'll appreciate. Not only does it feature George doing what he does best, but it also shows the true diversity of his talent that may not have been appreciated or realized in the past.
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