Best Rock Albums in 2009, so far

I saw Booker back Neil Young in Europe, Summer 1993, with the entire MGs as the backup band. Booker loved the feel of those dates and tried to recreate this with Potato Hole. Neil returned a favor by contributing with this album. The shows are legendary in live touring circles. I caught five of the shows. Better than any shows I have seen with the Stray Gators and Crazy Horse. Always closed with a firery rendition of "All Along The Watchtower." Absolutely one of the tightest bands ever. There is an excellent article/interview with Booker in Wax Poetics Magazine you should track down that details this.

I just picked up Booker T's "Potato Hole". I suspect that it will prove to be my favorite record of the year (over the long haul). It's a little odd, however, since so little of the record (other than the title track) is the funky Booker T of the MGs. This is more a rock record. Definitely a surprise, but a pleasant surprise. A look at the players would have provided a hint, I suppose.

Marty

Marty,

The key with Booker T is that he knows how important it is when you DON'T play. It is often more important what you leave out or don't play! The right phrasing and space is what it is all about and makes it interesting.

Yeah, the motto at Stax was "funky and simple".

John Doe and the Sadies "Country Club". Very strong alt. country album with just enough of Doe's slippery blues guitar to quality as rock. Acoustic instruments in natural space & good SQ on YepRoc 180g LP.