Though perhaps not as sizzling as Irish Tour or Stage Struck, this 1972 live album from the late Irish guitar legend Rory Gallagher is still one hell of a live blues-rock album. Part of the Eagle Rock reissue series of Gallagher's back catalog, Live in Europe followed the two studio releases Rory Gallagher and Deuce, and perfectly captures the live energy of the trio of Gallagher, bassist Gerry McAvoy, and drummer Wilgar Campbell.
Plenty of early Rory staples are here in all their fiery glory, like the killer 1-2 opening punch of "Messin' With the Kid" and "Laundromat", each one featuring ferociously scorching guitar licks from the master, as well as his powerful vocals. After those two frenzied songs, things slow down for the laid back blues of "I Could've Had Religion", a great take on the old Delta blues staple highlighted by some gritty slide guitar work, beer soaked vocals, and harmonica. After the acoustic country/folk/blues of "Pistol Slapper Blues" and "Going to My Hometown", Rory and the band rip into the extended "In Your Town", another electric blues barnburner with the guitarist tearing it up on his instrument. This guy's slide work was off the charts!
Another trip into the Delta swamps can be heard on the final three cuts "What in the World", "Hoodoo Man", and "Bulfrog Blues", showing that Gallagher didn't have to be an American to fully understand and channel the early US blues scene. Featuring plenty of red hot slide guitar and passionate vocals, these songs let the blues man really come out and show his colors.
With a long essay from Mick Rock and some photos in the booklet , Eagle Rock has done a great job on this reissue of Live in Europe. Though Gallagher released numerous live albums over his career, this one is easily one of the best, right up there with the already mentioned Irish Tour and Stage Struck.
Track Listing
1. Messin' With The Kid 6:25
2. Laundromat 5:12
3. I Could've Had Religion 8:35
4. Pistol Slapper Blues 2:54
5. Going To My Hometown 5:46
6. In Your Town 10:03
7. What In The World 7:40
8. Hoodoo Man 6:02
9. Bullfrog Blues 6:48
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