Originally recorded in 1990, this collaboration between members of the Doobie Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival remained in the vaults for almost 15 years — and it's easy to hear why. Not that Jackdawg is a bad record. Hell, its earthy, guitar-heavy, blues-influenced classic rock might even be more fun than half the albums you'll hear this year. It's just that in 1990, the listening public probably wasn't ready for something this retro. Multi-instrumentalist and dusty vocalist John McFee, bassist Stu Cook and the late drummer Keith Knudsen comprise a power trio high on old-school harmonies and sing-along hooks. Not all of the 15 songs on this self-titled album work — by now, we never need to a hear another generic horned-up rocker like "Take It Off" again — but it's an enjoyable ride nonetheless (especially for listeners who know some of those old Doobies and CCR tracks by heart). The album closes with two covers — Roky Erickson's "Cold Night for Alligators" and Van Morrison's "Wild Night" — which sound as if they could be Jackdawg originals.
Track Listing:
1) Bayou Rebel
2) When the Sun Don't Shine
3) The Men Who Would Be King
4) Hunger
5) Ghost Dance
6) Take It Off
7) Kisses in the Rain
8) I Couldn't Help Myself
9) Quicksand
10) Lookin' For Trouble
11) Relentless
12) Young Ones
13) The Girl From Oz
14) Cold Night for Alligators
15) Wild Night