The Remedy
VizzTone, 2020
9/10
A long running outfit spearheaded by Tim ‘Too Slim’ Langford, The Remedy is the 15th studio album from Too Slim And The Taildraggers, and much like all their work it shines with blues rock flavor while offering a cover and some guest appearances, too.
After the rich guitar work and bluesy fun of the soulful “Last Last Chance”, “She’s Got The Remedy” buzzes with rugged restraint and gritty melodies, while “Devil’s Hostage” gets a bit more raw vocally and musically cultivates plenty of grooves you won’t forget anytime soon.
Further along, the appropriately titled “Keep The Party Rollin’” recruits spirited harmonica from Sheldon Ziro in the bouncy, playful setting, and “Sunnyland Train”, an Elmore James tune, continues the theme with thumping percussion and frisky rhythm as slide guitar steals the show. “Platinum Junkie”, one of the album’s best, then offers smooth vocals and a stylish swagger of funk ideas.
Deeper into the listen, “Think About That” glides with plenty of melody, dynamic musicianship and timelessness where Richard Rosenblatt’s harp prowess is in attendance, and “Half A World Away” exits the listen with much grace and dreaminess, where a hushed quality and plenty of emotion punctuate the mood.
This fine album peaked at #3 on the Blues Album Charts, and whether you’ve been following all along or are new to Too Slim And The Taildraggers, The Remedy will be the cure for anyone going through blues withdrawal.
Travels well with: Swingadelic-Bluesville; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues