The Dead Daisies are back, not twelve months after the brilliant “Light ‘Em Up”, with a new and slightly different approach to their latest offering “, Lookin’ For Trouble”, a tribute to the influence of Blues on Rock and Roll.
They have taken ten tracks steeped in Blues history, some jump off the page as well-known numbers, others not so much, but each is given the full works with the respect deserved. The album kicks off with a ripping version of Willie Dixon’s “I’m Ready”; opening with a killer riff and thumping drums and when Corabi comes in the song just takes off, his voice has a distinct tone that suits the blues style down to the ground and backed up by some cool guitar work, Aldrich on lead and Lowry on rhythm, and the savage rhythm section of Devin on the bass and Clufetos on the drums, it is the perfect way to start the album. The opening riff and solo on “Going Down” really sets the tone for this one, a heavy gritty number that sees Corabi use his gravelly vocals to full effect, the guitar work from Aldrich and Lowry is sublime as they trade riffs, combined with the slow steady beat of the drums and rumbling bass this is a stunning version. John Lee Hooker’s “Boom, Boom” gets a complete revamp and its class, slower with a funky groove that will have you tapping your toe, Aldrich’s solos are amazing as he makes that guitar sing like a bird, this is most certainly big and ballsy but most importantly brilliant.
Probably the most recognisable track on the album is “Black Betty” with the most popular version being Ram Jam’s one from 1977 but The Dead Daisies have given their take on it and for my money is one of the best you’ll hear, opening with a slow riff before the drums and harmonica come in, the slow steady drum and bass beat creates a monster groove for the guitars to work off and the harmonica solo is a nice addition, one thing i will say is having grown up around the Ram Jam version i thought this would be a hard sell but believe me after a few listens to this you’ll be saying Ram who. “The Thrill Is Gone” is a track that stands out, from the slow easy guitars to the languid drum and bass beat to the outstanding vocal performance of Corabi, who sounds like he put his heart and soul into this and is the perfect foil for Aldrich’s smooth guitar work, originally recorded by Roy Hawkins and covered by the great B.B. King this is better than both. “Born Under A Bad SIgn” is a rip roaring blues number that has a real funk to it thanks to the booming bass of Devin and the pulsating drumming of Clufetos, throw in some thick riffs and a killer solo from Aldrich and Lowry and you have as serious groover with Corabi’s gritty vocals the icing on the top.
For me the best track on the labrum has to be “Crossroads” a kicking blues track if ever there was, a kicking drum beat and buzzing bass sets it all up from where Corabi weighs in with his signature style vocals while Lowry and Aldrich lay down some seriously groovy riffs before Aldrich steals the show with his monster solo midway through, this one will have you dancing in the aisles. A great rhythm from the drum and bass combination sets up “Sweet Home Chicago”, throw in the cool riff, and Coraby leans into this and gives a killer performance, the harmonica in the background is classy, and the magnificent solo from Aldrich tops it off. “Walking The Dog” is a funky take on Rufus Thomas’ original and Aerosmith’s cover, more of a rocker vibe but with bluesy undertones, a good track but maybe the weakest one on the album, which is a pity. “Little Red Rooster”, another Willie Dixon number, closes out the album, a slow, meandering version that will send you off happy.
For long-standing fans, this is a treat to behold; for newer ones, this will be your gateway to The Dead Daisies in all their glory.
The Dead Daisies’ ‘Lookin’ For Trouble’ is out via Pty Ltd / SPV on 30th May 2025
Review: Conor
| I’m Ready | MP3 | |
| Going Down | MP3 | |
| Boom Boom | MP3 | |
| Black Betty | MP3 | |
| The Thrill Is Gone | MP3 | |
| Born Under A Bad Sign | MP3 | |
| Crossroads | MP3 | |
| Sweet Home Chicago | MP3 | |
| Walking The Dog | MP3 | |
| Little Red Rooster | MP3 |
The Dead Daisies are:
John Corabi Vocals
Doug Aldrich Lead guitar
David Lowry Rhythm guitar
Michael Devin Bass
Tommy Clufetos Drums
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