Artist: Dr. Feelgood Album: A Case of the Shakes

Year: 1980
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: A Case of the Shakes by Dr. Feelgood

Dr. Feelgood is an English rock band that originated in the 1970s and is known for their bluesy rock and roll sound. Among their vast discography is the album A Case of the Shakes, which was released in 1980. The album is considered a classic among Dr. Feelgood fans, but what makes it stand out? In this post, we will dive deep into the history of the band, the genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and provide a critical review of A Case of the Shakes.

Dr. Feelgood was formed in 1971 and quickly became one of the most influential bands of the British punk rock movement. They were noted for their high-energy performances, raw bluesy sound, and frontman Lee Brilleaux’s gravelly voice. A Case of the Shakes was their eighth album, released amidst a period of lineup changes in the band. The album features ten tracks of classic blues rock and roll with a punk edge.

The genre of A Case of the Shakes is firmly rooted in rock and roll, with elements of blues and punk. The influence of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Howlin' Wolf can be heard throughout the album. The band's sound is characterized by heavily distorted guitars, fast-paced drumming, and a raspy voice from Brilleaux. The album itself is an excellent representation of the Dr. Feelgood sound, which would influence many future bands.

The standout tracks from A Case of the Shakes are She's A Wind Up, Shotgun Blues, and Monkey. She's A Wind Up features a catchy guitar riff and a hilarious take on a relationship gone wrong. Shotgun Blues features a swinging rhythm section and an infectious chorus. Monkey is perhaps the most bluesy track on the album and showcases Brilleaux’s vocal range.

The most innovative parts of the album are the musicianship and songwriting. The guitar work is top-notch, with Wilko Johnson and John 'Gypie' Mayo trading off solos and riffs throughout the album. The rhythm section of John B. Sparks on bass and The Big Figure on drums is tight and keeps the songs moving along. The songwriting is playful and often humorous, with a focus on everyday life experiences.

Now, to the critical review of the album. A Case of the Shakes is a great representation of the Dr. Feelgood sound, but it doesn't bring much new to the table. It's a bit of a formulaic album, with the songs following a similar structure and style. The production is also a bit thin, which could be a result of the band's budget at the time. However, despite these shortcomings, A Case of the Shakes is a highly enjoyable album that still holds up over 40 years later.

A Case of the Shakes by Dr. Feelgood is a classic album that showcases the band's raw bluesy rock and roll sound. The album is firmly rooted in the rock and roll genre, with elements of blues and punk. The standout tracks are She's A Wind Up, Shotgun Blues, and Monkey. The musicianship and songwriting are some of the most innovative parts of the album, with the guitar work and rhythm section keeping the songs moving along. While A Case of the Shakes doesn't bring anything new to the table, it's a highly enjoyable album that still stands the test of time.

A Case of the Shakes by Dr. Feelgood is a classic album that showcases the band's raw bluesy rock and roll sound. The album is firmly rooted in the rock and roll genre, with elements of blues and punk. The standout tracks are She's A Wind Up, Shotgun Blues, and Monkey. The musicianship and songwriting are some of the most innovative parts of the album, with the guitar work and rhythm section keeping the songs moving along. While A Case of the Shakes doesn't bring anything new to the table, it's a highly enjoyable album that still stands the test of time.