by Brian D. Holland.

The title, Full Tilt, is a clear-cut description of the contents of the new CD by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, and it’s as honest as the band’s eloquent name. Though Li’ Ed is certainly little, he’s the Napoleon of barnstorming Chicago blues, of slide guitar as well. The other guys work together in making it an imperial blues band, one with a knack for playing raw and exciting music that’s incredibly compelling, loud, and rocked up to a full tilt. The rhythm is driving and the beat is strong, and the guitar sounds are dynamically warm and potent.

Muddy Waters once said that the blues had a baby and they called it rock ’n roll. In keeping with that theme, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are mischievous adults out for a night on the town, misbehaving and doing it up like kids. In other words, the blues doesn’t get much more rocked up than this.

Guitar potency sets the atmosphere immediately in the intro to “Hold That Train.” Lil’ Ed stands out with tasteful slide work, a sound that drives the song forward like a train chugging through the South Side. This rocked-up atmosphere continues throughout the album, save for a few slow blues numbers and Chicago struts. “Don’t Call Me” is another that’s rocked up to a full tilt. It’s one in a bunch of powerful tracks that fit the album title flawlessly. Their rendition of “First I Look At The Purse” is up there with the gripping live version the J Geils Band did years ago.

“Check My Baby’s Oil” is a slow blues in which Ed tells the aged tale of a cheating spouse, this time by means of automobile dialect, which often leads up to the blatant subject matter: “I’ve got to check my baby’s oil. Somebody’s been stickin’ their dipstick in the oil pan. She’s acting mighty funny. I believe she’s going out with another man.” His guitar licks are scorching and fiery throughout, as the emotion in his fingers match the lyrical subject matter flawlessly. “Life Got In The Way” and “Every Man Needs A Good Woman” keep the slow blues atmosphere going amiably, as Lil’ Ed summons scorching guitar licks.

Get ready to jump, shout, and dance about when “Candy Sweet” starts. This fast paced strut certainly gets the adrenaline flowing. It’s quick and short, yet thoroughly enjoyable. The follower, “Woman’ Take A Bow,” is a rhythmic excursion, heavy on horn section interplay and solid rhythm guitar drive.

Lil’ Ed Williams and the band have been issuing consistent albums on the Alligator label since 1986, with the release of Roughhousin’, the first display of his brand of sweltering Chicago blues. Full Tilt is the latest in that impressive line of fine albums. It’s powerful blues, heavy on Ed’s vocals and guitar prowess. Being that the live atmosphere is often the desired sound in many studio blues productions, it truly works in this one. And although it’s Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials at their best and in their own element, Bruce Iglauer (producer) and his sound team deserve much of the praise for the outcome of this amazing batch of songs. The warm recorded sound matches the style of the music brilliantly, as iit’s dynamic, warm, and crisp, with an ‘in the studio’ listenable quality. Full Tilt is quite an impressive blues release, one of the year’s best.

Full Tilt Tracks

1. Hold That Train
2. Housekeeping Job
3. Don't Call Me
4. Check My Baby's Oil
5. First I Look at the Purse
6. Love Don't Live Here Anymore
7. Life Got in the Way
8. Candy Sweet
9. Woman, Take a Bow
10. My Baby Moves Me
11. Dying to Live
12. Open Invitation
13. Every Man Needs a Good Woman
14. Take Five

Label: Alligator 2008

Link:
Full Tilt on Amazon