The irony here is that because of my disappointment with this new version of one of my all time favorites, I finally understand the enigma of what makes a great rockin’ blues song! It’s that tension built by a song that is always balancing on the razor’s edge; that sounds like it’s always in danger of unraveling. That's what made "Bad to the Bone" so wild, so free, so absolutely perfect in its chaos. Now that it’s been tamed, now that it’s beautiful and polished and so perfectly clean. It’s… well… it’s just not "Bad to the Bone"!
So, in spite of this minor stab to my wild heart of old, do I recommend this CD? Yes, I absolutely and unequivocally recommend this CD for anyone new to the Destroyers or long time devoted fans alike. This extended anniversary edition is as amazing today as it was 25 years ago, and the new tracks are a great addition to any rock/blues collection.
I’m also certain that most people will like the new, heavier, cleaner, more perfectly distorted guitar sound of the latest recording of the title track. As for myself, I’ll keep enjoying the rest of a great album. I’ll just generally skip track 16 and turn back to track 6, the original, the true version of George at his wild best; thoroughly good, untamed, and Bad to the Bone!
Article comments
1 - Scott B.
George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers(as I will always know them as) are truly one of those great under the radar bands with a huge cult following. They have stayed the course as to their music genre. This band has more than just 1 "real" anthem song that identifies who they are! I have had the pleasure of seeing them live in person on a few occasions. One of the shows they played at my college and I worked as a backstage helper. These guys are one of the best live performers around. They perform with an energy level that doesn't change from start to finish. I have not picked up the anniversary release but will soon. I have been a fan for 20 years. Keep rocking George!
2 - James J
The addition of Jim shuler on guitar on the new tracks are wack. He makes it sound too twangy and polished. GT is and alsways will be a bar band and Jim adds an unwarranted touch of texas showboatism. GT is not to be taken polished.