Rory Gallagher's 1975 self-produced album Against the Grain saw the line-up of Gallagher (guitars, vocals), Gerry McAvoy (bass), Lou Martin (keyboards), and Rod de'Ath (drums) once again create hard driving blues rock of the highest quality. Sandwiched between the equally stellar Tatoo and Calling Card, Against the Grain sometimes gets lost in the shuffle when talking about Gallagher's top releases, but make no mistake about it, this album from the late guitarist is one of his best. Eagle Rock has once again done a fine job on this reissue, as they make their way through the entire Rory Gallagher discography.
Two fiery blues rockers kick off the CD in the form of "Let Me In" and "Cross Me Off Your List", each one containing scorching lead guitar work from Gallagher and tight, shuffling rhythms. The more atmospheric "Ain't Too Good" follows, complete with emotional lyrics that are sung masterfully by Gallagher, with Martin's layers of keyboards occasionally being stabbed by heart tugging lead guitar. There are more than a few moments on this one where Rory reminds of the great Leslie West of Mountain. The raucous "Souped-Up Ford" is pedal to the metal boogie, with Rory's sizzling slide guitar licks leading the charge over honky tonk piano, organ, and intricate rhythms. "Bought and Sold" features some catchy melodies over a Status Que type boogie groove, and "I Take What I Want" is a hard rocker with plenty of tasty guitar licks and electric piano. Organ, acoustic & electric guitars permeate the bluesy "Lost at Sea", another emotional piece, and "All Around Man" is the albums Delta Blues tribute, complete with wild slide guitar from Rory. Probably the best known cut on the album is "Out On The Western Plains", Gallagher's ode to the American Cowboy. His masterful acoustic guitar and vocals are just stellar here, and it's impossible not to become intoxicated by his enchanting guitar work and the catchy lyrics. "At the Bottom" is another bluesy hard rocker with layer upon layer of virtuoso guitar textures, and this reissue comes with two bonus tracks, the blues instrumental workout "Cluney Blues", and the rockabilly "My Baby, Sure".
As always, this reissue includes some great commentary on each song from Rory's brother Donal in the booklet, which gives some cool insight to this recording. It all makes for another must own Eagle Rock reissue of an essential Rory Gallagher album.
Track Listing
1. Let Me In
2. Cross Me Off Your List
3. Ain't Too Good
4. Souped-Up Ford
5. Bought And Sold
6. I Take What I Want
7. Lost At Sea
8. All Around Man
9. Out On The Western Plains
10. At The Bottom
11. Cluney Blues
12. My Baby, Sure
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