Good news! As you can probably already tell, The Crossfire has finally been revived from an almost 9-month coma. In other words, I have partially recovered from an addiction to the unfortunate disease known as procrastination, common among most college students. In even simpler terms, I have been wanting to blog for awhile, decided not to do it a few times, and now I'm back even more bluesy greatness. Yup.
Don't worry, I haven't succumbed to ramen, ultimate frisbee, and Hootie and the Blowfish addictions just yet...working on it.
A lot has happened in the blues world over the past nine months that seems rather irrevlant now, but I'll give a list of what I deem as the best blues albums of 2011 and the best songs found on them. And, for old time's sake, I'll spotlight a couple of blues artists you can check out.
If you're new to the blog, welcome! If you're not new to the blog, thanks for sticking with me. All of the twitterers...tweeties??...those who follow me on twitter, thanks for following me on twitter! Your interest and support for the blues and this blog is much appreciated!
Best Blues Albums of 2011
(Note that this list was not compiled or inspired by record sales. Think about it, if all "best albums of [insert year]" were based on record sales alone, the best album of 2011 would be Adele's 21. I'll let that one sit on your brain for awhile--not on your ears, they might bleed.)
5. Bright Lights EP - Gary Clark Jr. It's only got four songs, but one listen to this album and you'll wish there was LOTS more. Gary Clark Jr. has got a great future ahead of him if he sticks to the down-home, gritty guitar strummin' he's put on his debut extended play. I recommend all four songs, but the opener/title track makes the album. Look for more soon!
4. Time Slips On By by Rich DelGrosso and Jonn Del Torro Richardson Don't judge a book by its cover--don't judge an album by it's cover. The music's great, the feeling's great, and the best part is these guys act like they don't have anything to prove. If you enjoy blues with a Latin flavor (never thought I'd say that), Time Slips On is the album for you. "Summertime Is Here" is the best song on the album, but "Shotgun Blues," "The Real Deal," "Baby Please," are just as good.
3. Can't Control Myself by Gina SiciliaI admit it, at first I was skeptical of Gina Sicilia's third album, Can't Control Myself. Honestly, I was stunned when I heard the first track, "Addiction." This is a phenomenal album and definately her best. Don't believe me? Listen to it for yourself--you won't be disappointed with "Members Only," "As Long As You're Here," and her excellent cover of Diana Ross' "Place in the Sun."
2. Dust Bowl by Joe BonamassaCheck earlier posts, I think I've talked about the album before. I'm only partially cured of procrastination (fortunately, I'm totally cured of hibernation sickness).
If you didn't get that reference, here's a hint:
1. Low Country Blues by Gregg AllmanSee directly above, then below.
All photos taken from amazon.com
Artists of the Week
(photo taken from billboard.com)
(photo taken from theguitarbuzz.com)
NEW! Upcoming Events
Sounds boring and it is, but here's some dates to remember anyway:
Sunday, February 5: Super Bowl (New England Pats vs. New York Gigantors)
Sunday, February 12: Grammy Awards
Thursday, May 10, 2012: Blues Music Awards
Friday, December 21, 2012: End of the world.
(photo taken from discountpostersale.com)
