Big Dog 92-7 Music Guide

Johnson’s Whacks

RELEASE
1979
LABEL
Delmark
GENRES
Blues, Modern Electric Blues, Chicago Blues, Electric Chicago Blues, Regional Blues

Album Review

Uncommon wit runs through the lyrics of this varied set, certainly one of the more intriguing Chicago blues albums of the late '70s. Johnson's high-pitched vocals are particularly soulful on the impassioned "I Need Some Easy Money" and "Ashes in My Ashtray," while "The Twelve Bar Blues" and "Poor Boy's Dream" are upbeat entries that don't sound as comfortable for the guitarist. Johnson gets away with a honky-tonk reprise of Ernest Tubb's country classic "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin," but his rehash of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" should have stayed on the bandstand.
Bill Dahl, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. The Twelve Bars Blues
  2. Ashes in My Ashtray
  3. I Stand Alone
  4. Slamming Doors
  5. Take Five
  6. Strange How I Miss You (When I Haven't Even Lost You Yet)
  7. Poor Boy's Dream
  8. I Need Some Easy Money
  9. Drivin' Nails in My Coffin
  10. Jockey Sports