Far more satisfying is Smokey Wilson’s The Man From Mars (Bullseye Blues 9581A). Scorching guitar licks and rough, barbed-wire vocals cut with a sly sense of humor and backed by a kicking horn section are the ticket on this smokin’ follow-up to The Real Deal. On renditions of “Something Inside Of Me” and “.44 Blues” the Mississippi-born Wilson invokes the spirit of Howlin’ Wolf with chilling authenticity. The title track is a hoot and Smokey delivers “Louise” with frightening juke joint intensity. On “Too Drunk To Drive” he offers the following public service announcement: “Get yo’ ugly self out of that car, I don’t want you driving when you’re drunk.” Throw in killers like “Doctor Blues,” “Don’t Want To Tangle With Me,” “Black Widow” and “You Don’t Drink What I Drink,” and you’ve got one of the year’s best blues releases.
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