When I first listened to Gregg's final album, of course I loved hearing his voice, but it didn't blow me away at first. I'm a blazing guitar fan, so my appreciation has always been greater for the ABB than for Gregg's solo work. Some of that changed a little when I saw him live and really appreciated the way that his solo band's tighter, leaner approach served his singing and the songs. I still didn't necessarily prefer it over the ABB, but I really appreciated what it let him do.
Back to "Southern Blood" - initially I missed the full-blooded roar of a Derek or Warren or Duane or Dickey, and the album seemed restrained, maybe too safe. However, the more I listened, the more I appreciated those notes that did not jump out at me at first. I also came to understand how the song choices, lyrics, and soulful singing came together to deliver a really powerful statement from an artist facing death. I really treasured that CD after a solid initial 10 spins through, and I have continued to enjoy it.
Many of the same comments above apply to my experience so far with "Signs." On the first listen, I felt the same way I did with "Revelator." Where's the guitar? Where's the balls? However, I was more ready to listen to it, knowing that with so many other albums now, it has taken me some time to get it. Well, 5 times through this new one, I do get it.
And it is not just "the experience of needing to listen to it more carefully" that links these albums together for me. I feel like just as Gregg was singing about coming to terms with his own approaching death, this one is the TTB making music about how to deal with the deaths of Gregg and others, and the music suits that mood.
These albums are a thoughtful pair, and they become a joyful pair the more I understand them.
Well said, I love your take and I like this comparison. Pairing the albums crossed my mind as well considering both are dealing with the same issue of loss, but from different perspectives.
Laid Back has always been one of my favorite albums, and Southern Blood recaptures a lot of that album's southern gothic folk spirit. Gregg's band was finally just the way he wanted it, and the album is littered with some truly heartbreaking moments. At times it's a little too slick and the pedal steel gets a little much ("Black Muddy River" stands out like a sore thumb to me). "Blind Bats" is the only song "off topic" and it has that thick, humid funk of Muscle Shoals that I imagine Gregg wanted to capture.
Signs is seriously growing on me. Sometimes we have to set aside our expectations and listen let the music presented hit us, and this is a different album than Let Me Get By. Just my experience. Love hearing Mike, Mark, and Alecia's back and forth over the horns on "Signs, Hard Times". Derek's guitar is all over it, they blend the power of a 12-piece so well. I love where they added strings, the end of "I'm Gonna Be There" takes almost a dark turn. "Walk Through this Life" has a pretty sweet groove, and is maybe the most TTB-ish song on the album. I love where "All the World" goes. "The Ending" brings it all to a somber close. Even tougher listening to this one after Kofi's passing. His keys really hit me for the month I was making the "Hard Case" video, and he is all over Signs.
I agree so much about Gregg's album, It's All there, just seeps into Your Heart, Your Soul, Your Bones........Peace.......joe
