King King (album)
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.
King King | |
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Live album by | |
Released | 28 July 1992 |
Recorded | King King Club, Los Angeles[1] |
Genre | Blues rock |
Length | 59:04 |
Label | Def American (Cat. no. 9 26795-2) |
Producer | Rick Rubin |
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 gave the album a three out of five star rating, who called 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 (aka 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 (aka Howlin' Wolf) | 3:35 |
10. | "I'm Ready" | Dixon[7] | 3:46 |
11. | "Quarter to Twelve" | Marion Jacobs (aka Little Walter) | 7:03 |
12. | "Cut That Out" | Junior Wells[8] | 4:59 |
Total length: | 59:04 |
Personnel
- Lester Butler – vocals and harmonica
- Paul "The Kid" Size – lead guitar
- Dave Lee Bartel – rhythm guitar
- Johnny Ray Bartel – bass
- Bill Bateman – drums
References
- In 1991–92, King King was at 6th St. and La Brea Ave., normally considered Mid-Wilshire, not Hollywood.
- 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.
- Ham, Char. "King King – album 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 Butler.
- Using music by James Moore aka Slim Harpo.
- John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson I recorded "Better Cut that Out" in 1947.