Eagle Rock Entertainment continues their love of all things Rory Gallagher with the re-issue of his first three studio albums as well as first live album after leaving his popular late 60's power trio Taste. Rory Gallagher came out on 1971, and features the Irish guitarist in a varied selection of songs that touch on both hard rock and blues.
"Laundromat" is perhaps the most famous song here, as this bluesy hard rocker was to be featured in his live act for many years. Catchy, and with plenty of fiery licks, "Laundromat" is a easily a Rory Gallagher classic. "Just the Smile" is more of a laid back country blues piece, but the guitarist goes for the juggular on the rampaging "I Fall Apart", a dark, hard rock piece that builds and builds to a dramatic conclusion. Rory's love of acoustic, country flavored blues once again appears on "Wave Myself Goodbye", featuring his tasty acoustic & slide picking, plus some majestic piano from Atomic Rooster's Vincent Crane. Blistering blues rock numbers like "Hands Up", "Sinner Boy", "For the Last Time", and "Can't Believe It's True" showcase not only Rory's formidable guitar skills, but also his very underrated vocals, something he was never really given the proper credit for. Basically, this guy could do it all, and he even adds in a bit of saxophone, mandolin, and harmonica on the album. Bonus tracks here include the Muddy Waters classic "Gypsy Woman", and a scorching rendition of the Otis Rush staple "It Takes Time".
The booklet lists this as being remixed & remastered by Tony Arnold, but I'm not sure if that's for this Eagle Rock reissue or a previous one (many of the Rory Gallagher titles have been reissued numerous times over the years), either way, it sounds quite good. As a debut, it's a red hot one, and hinted and the great music that was to continue to come from Rory Gallagher over the next two decades.
Track Listing
1. Laundromat
2. Just the Smile
3. I Fall Apart
4. Wave Myself Goodbye
5. Hands Up
6. Sinner Boy
7. For the Last Time
8. It's You
9. I'm Not Surprised
10. Can't Believe It's True
11. Gypsy Woman
12. It Takes Time
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