King King (album)
King King | |
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Live album by | |
Released | July 28, 1992 |
Recorded | 1991 |
Venue | King King Club, Los Angeles[1] |
Genre | Blues rock |
Length | 59:04 |
Label | Def American |
Producer | Rick Rubin |
King King is the debut album by the blues-rock band the Red Devils. It was recorded live at King King Club in Los Angeles[1] during three or four of their regular Monday-night performances in 1991.[2]
The album captures the immediacy and informality of a small club performance.[3] It features the band's interpretation of blues songs originally recorded by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon as well as some band originals.
Critical reception
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
King King was released in July 1992 and a review in USA Today called it "the year's most electrifying live album, a stunning debut".[4] According to the Los Angeles Times, "King King is a 12-song live recording that captures the band in fine, aggressive form at the La Brea Avenue club".[5]
AllMusic's gave the album a three out of five star rating, calling it a mix of straight-ahead blues and singer/harmonica player Lester Butler's later alternative rock.
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Automatic" | Willie Love | 3:26 |
2. | "Goin' to the Church" | Lester Butler | 4:07 |
3. | "She's Dangerous" | Willie Dixon | 5:02 |
4. | "I Wish You Would" | Billy Boy Arnold | 3:01 |
5. | "Cross Your Heart" | Rice Miller a.k.a. Sonny Boy Williamson II | 4:28 |
6. | "Tail Dragger" | Dixon[6] | 5:24 |
7. | "Devil Woman" | The Red Devils | 6:57 |
8. | "No Fightin'" | Butler | 5:56 |
9. | "Mr. Highway Man" | Chester Burnett a.k.a. Howlin' Wolf | 3:35 |
10. | "I'm Ready" | Dixon[7] | 3:46 |
11. | "Quarter to Twelve" | Marion Jacobs a.k.a. Little Walter | 7:03 |
12. | "Cut That Out" | Junior Wells[8] | 4:59 |
Total length: | 59:04 |
Personnel
- The Red Devils
- Lester Butler – vocals, harmonica
- Paul "The Kid" Size – lead guitar
- Dave Lee Bartel – rhythm guitar
- Johnny Ray Bartel – bass
- Bill Bateman – drums
References
- ^ a b In 1991–1992, King King was on the corner of 6th Street and La Brea Avenue, normally considered in the Mid-Wilshire district, not Hollywood as it is described in some reviews.
- ^ Leroy, Dan (2007). The Greatest Music Never Sold: Secrets of Legendary Lost Albums by David Bowie, Seal, Beastie Boys, Chicago, Mick Jagger, and More!. Backbeat Books. pp. 117–44. ISBN 978-0-87930-905-3.
- ^ a b Ham, Char. "King King – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ Gundersen, Edna (October 28, 1992). "Red Devils Live Album Blasts Raw, Rootsy Blues". USA Today. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ Appleford, Steve (August 23, 1992). "Red Devils' Rowdy Gigs Lure Some Famous Fans". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ Lyrics by Lester Butler
- ^ Using music by James Moore a.k.a. Slim Harpo
- ^ John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson I recorded "Better Cut That Out" in 1947.