Remixed and expanded (with two additional tracks recorded but chopped
off the vinyl version), this is a sturdy,
workmanlike Rory Gallagher release. Reverting back to a trio, Gallagher
toughens up his sound and blazes through some robust blues rockers like
"Last of the Independents," "Shadow Play," and "Brute Force &
Ignorance" (one of his best hard rock riffs) with nervy energy.
Gallagher's swampy side emerges on "Cloak & Dagger," another song
that explores his fascination with B-movie gumshoes, a common theme for
the Irish blues-rocker. His guitar work is typically excellent
throughout, especially on "Overnight Bag," as he overdubs himself on
acoustic. Still, the album has a samey feel due to some of the
songwriting not being quite up to snuff, and a few tracks, like the
moody, slow-burning "Fuel to the Fire," stretched well past its breaking
point to over six minutes. Of the two additional tunes, "Early Warning"
is a typically rugged chunky rocker, and "Juke Box Annie" explores the
guitarist's jaunty, slightly funky country style. Neither is essential,
but both will be important finds for the Gallagher collector. Brother
D¢nal's liner and track notes are short yet informative, and the sound
is an enormous improvement over the original version. There is a
remarkable clarity and fullness to the bass, along with a definition
that exposes heretofore unheard instruments like the mandolin on "Brute
Force..." and handclaps on "Cruise on Out," both previously buried in
the mix.
UK ISSUE 2012 CD SONY/CAPO/LEGACY - 88725461462 MADE IN THE EU REMASTERED DIGIPAK DISC: 1. Shin Kicker 2. Brute Force & Ignorance 3. Cruise On Out 4. Cloak & Dagger 5. Overnight Bag 6. Shadow Play 7. Mississippi Sheiks 8. Last Of The Independents 9. Fuel To The Fire
BONUS TRACKS: 10. Early Warning 11. Juke Box Annie DISCIN NEW CONDITION, PERFECT PLAYBACK
DIGIPAK CASE IN NEW & SEALED CONDITION, NO WEAR, NO DAMAGE