Artist: Dr. Feelgood Album: Mad Man Blues

Year: 1985
Duration: 31:42

Dr. Feelgood's Mad Man Blues: A Critical Review

If you're a fan of the early punk and pub rock scene in the UK, then you're probably already familiar with Dr. Feelgood. They were known for their electrifying live performances and raw, stripped-down sound. Their 1975 album, Mad Man Blues, is a shining example of their talent and the energy of the era. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the album, including some history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs on it, the most innovative parts, and of course, a critical review. If you haven't listened to it yet, then put it on and let's dive in together.

Dr. Feelgood was formed in 1971 in Canvey Island, Essex, England. They quickly gained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the country, with their signature high-energy performances. Mad Man Blues was their fourth album, released in 1975. This album had a more polished sound compared to their earlier works, but it still retained the rawness and passion that defined their sound. It was also the last album to feature the original lineup of Lee Brilleaux (vocals/harp), Wilko Johnson (guitar), John B. Sparks (bass), and The Big Figure (drums).

The music genre of Mad Man Blues can be described as a mix of rhythm and blues, rock, and punk. Dr. Feelgood drew inspiration from classic blues acts like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, but they also had a punk attitude and an ear for catchy hooks. This combination made for a style that was both old-school and fresh. Some standout tracks on the album include Riot in Cell Block #9, Going Back Home, and Johnny B. Goode, which features an impressive guitar solo by Wilko Johnson.

The most innovative part of Mad Man Blues, in my opinion, is the way the band approached cover songs. They didn't just do straightforward covers; they put their own spin on them, making them feel like they could have been written by Dr. Feelgood themselves. For example, their version of Route 66 has a faster tempo and more aggressive guitar riff than the original, and their take on Johnny B. Goode has a punk edge that's missing from Chuck Berry's original.

Now, onto the critical review. While Mad Man Blues is undoubtedly a great album with many strengths, it's not without its flaws. One issue is that some songs can feel repetitive or formulaic after a while. The band had a tendency to stick to a certain formula of straightforward, high-energy rock and roll, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Another criticism is that the album doesn't flow as well as it could have. Some tracks feel like they don't fit into the overall vibe of the album. However, these issues are relatively minor when compared to the overall quality of the album.

In conclusion, Dr. Feelgood's Mad Man Blues is a classic album that any fan of rock and roll should give a listen. It's a testament to the talent and energy of the band, as well as the punk and pub rock scene in the UK during the 1970s. While it's not a perfect album, it's still packed with great songs and impressive performances. If you're new to the band or the genre, then this album is a great starting point. So go ahead and give it a spin – you won't regret it.