Just occasionally, it’s difficult to review an album because all you really need to say is “buy this NOW!”

On these occasions, it’s due to the reputation and quality of said artist’s back catalogue. Such is the case with Jim Jones, in all his many incarnations, from Thee Hypnotics (and even The Swamps), to Black Moses, to the mighty Revue, to The Righteous Mind, and now The All Stars. He does not mess around. He understands the groove in the hips of rock n roll.

And, so does Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. He’s back in the producer’s chair, and it’s clear that they understand each other, going back to ‘The Very Crystal Speed Machine’. While there is variety here, this is very much a ‘groove’ spread across an album. It begs to be heard live, and you WILL dance, brothers and sisters. From ‘Make It Rain’, and its plea of “wash my sins like you mean it” onwards, the rhythm section and horns are upfront. The guitars are also predominantly rhythm, but it all fits together to support the overall sound. Primal, but seductive. 

Recent single ‘Exiled’ is more Sly Stone than the Stones. My kind of dance music. ‘Born To Ride’ brings a perfectly placed sax solo, and ‘I’m On Fire’ will have you joining the “do, do, do” refrain as you shuffle across your lounge. You should already be familiar with ‘Goin’ Higher’, released last year, perhaps the most reminiscent of the Revue. ‘Bekolah’ briefly slows the tempo, probably the biggest surprise on the album, while the 2 minute title track is essentially an instrumental with the style of a 60s film soundtrack. I’m picturing James Coburn at his peak. It’s hard to avoid the word ‘righteous’, so there you go.

“Unlock the door, free your mind…” says ‘Drink Me’ to an intro that reminds me of The Sweeney, before setting off on a different trip, Alice. There are other groovers, but the best is perhaps left till last; ‘Let You Go’ is a potential single to these ears, and a fine way to end the album. 

I could go on. Or, you could order this NOW! 

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Author: Martin Chamarette