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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIt\u2019s a surreal feeling, preparing to write a review for a new album by Dr Feelgood just days after the announcement of Wilko Johnson\u2019s death. While Wilko\u2019s recent health issues have been well documented, quite literally, his passing was a shock. For myself and so many others, he was an influence and the heart of the original line up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, the current line up have achieved the feat of releasing an album of eleven new songs, all original compositions, which I believe is a first for the group. I admit that I\u2019ve not paid close attention to their recent releases, but on hearing \u2018Don\u2019t Pull Your Punches\u2019 on Spotify, my ears pricked right up. Something familiar here, a bit more muscle and intention than expected. Checking their website, I saw that guitarist Gordon Russell has rejoined the group, which goes some way to explaining it. No disrespect to anyone else, but he was always a class act; \u2018Doctor\u2019s Orders\u2019 was great largely due to his playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, he and vocalist Robert Kane have written a whole set of originals, from the addictive aforementioned tune, onto the more bluesy \u2018Put The Blame On Me\u2019 with its slide riff and harmonica. The album pitches its sound perfectly between Russell\u2019s original sound whilst incorporating both styles of Wilko and Gypie. Put simply, it\u2019s like they\u2019ve rediscovered the fire in their belly. \u2018Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is\u2019 wouldn\u2019t shame Mr Brilleaux, with its Canvey Delta strut, and \u2018Damn Right I Do\u2019 is like a tip of the hat to Mr Mayo. Class. It\u2019s quite a shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin Morris and Phil Mitchell hold down a tight rhythm section, as expected, which shines on the Wilko-flavoured \u2018Take A Second Look\u2019. It only slows down for \u2018Blues Me\u2019 and \u2018I Need A Doctor\u2019, but, crucially, the quality doesn\u2019t drop. \u2018Mary Ann\u2019 sounds like you\u2019ve always known it, the head starts nodding, and it brings a smile. Kane never tries to sound like Brilleaux, and his style suits the songs. \u2018Inside Out\u2019 should get your feet shuffling, simple but effective, while the instrumental \u2018Last Call\u2019 finishes things off in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the first listen, I had to play it again. This album really is worthy of the name Dr Feelgood, and I don\u2019t say that lightly. My Wilko portrait tattoo is testament to that. Sometimes life provides a pleasant surprise, just when you need it. It\u2019s been a bittersweet week, but the Feelgoods have an album to be proud of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n