R.L. Burnside

“Burnside on Burnside”

Fat Possum

Live records have their assets and their faults.

Too many artists release live records as another reason to get an extra paycheck. I’ll use the Dave Matthews Band as my prime example - come on, enough is enough.

But then again, it gives listeners another side of the group’s performances. It’s interesting to see how some outfits adhere to mistakes or replaced solos or random improvisation.

R.L. Burnside’s latest live album is exactly what a live album should be.

When listening to Burnside’s tunes, the imagery of a slightly overweight man in a dark suit sitting on a chair belting out lyrics about women being evil comes to mind.

From the opening medium tempo of “Shake ‘Em On Down” to the upbeat progression of “Skinny Woman” to the classic rural blues influence of “Walkin’ Blues,” this is a must for both traditional and modern blues enthusiasts.

The album features an entire track as commentary on “He Ain’t Your Daddy,” with Burnside’s raspy, deep and old-timer voice telling a humorous story.

Then without missing a second, he juts into “Bad Luck and Trouble,” a slow roller featuring Burnside whining through his guitar, strumming each string like it was the focal point of the song.

Although the album features Burnside backed with a band, what shines most is when it’s just himself and his guitar. The up tempo tracks aren’t bad - they’re actually really good. But with an artist as special as Burnside performing, no other instruments should be allowed to interfere with the sound of his voice and his precise, yet scratchy guitar licks.

The only rad addition to the mix is the amazing drum solo on “Snake Drive.” This tune also features solos from everyone else in Burnside’s band.

Other aspects that make this record great are the almost silent buzzing of the snare drum sizzling from the bass guitar’s vibrations, the occasional screaming from adoring fans and the variance in his voice from leaning back and forth on his stool, causing him to veer to and from the mic.

This is the kind of record that should be played in the background at a tailgate or a late-night card game with smoke resonating and beer flowing.