Blues (and other good music) aficionado Dr. Spex writes this about the new Buddy Guy album, "Bring 'Em In," on Jive Records:

Man, this is the best new release I've heard in a long time, and I can't stop listening to it.

The songs are mostly covers, with a few originals. Seems like there is a unifying theme in there ... but if so, it's lost on me so far. The covers have a predilection for funky soul, with several Memphis/Stax numbers and Wilson Pickett's "Ninety-Nine and One Half." But other material comes in too - like an interesting "Lay Lady Lay" and a smoldering cool "Ain't No Sunshine."

Also covered: Best version of "I Put a Spell on You" I ever heard. (I find Screaming Jay's screaming annoying, and most "Spell" covers kinda boring (including CCR's and yes, our boys' [The Radiators] too). But, with Carlos Santana sitting in, Buddy makes it smoke!

Buddy's tone is awewome and pure. And "Bring 'Em In" is definitely blues ... but blues with a twist. Meaning, it doesn't have the same-old "somebody else's take on one 12-bar after another" that wears thin after a few listens. And in addition to Santana, there are also guest appearances from Keith Richards, Robert Randolph and others.

Seems some old school Buddy fans are complaining - that the guest artist thing is a commercial sell-out, and/or that the album is overproduced. I suspect these are the same people who complained when Dylan started playing them electrical instruments ... Production sounds fine to my ear. Might not be "raw," but I don't find it overpolished. And thank god it doesn't have that incredibly excessive compression (ever hear the "Clarksdale to Heaven" Hooker tribute? Somebody should be shot for wasting that collection of talent).

AND, hasn't Buddy Guy earned the right to play with whoever he damn well pleases?

So if you like Buddy, and/or the blues, and/or Memphis soul, and/or music - pick this one up!

(Thanks, Dr. Spex! - Funk)