King King (album)
King King is the debut album by the blues-rock band the Red Devils. It was recorded live at King King Club in Los Angeles[1] during three or four of their regular Monday-night performances in 1991.[2]
| King King | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Live album by | |
| Released | July 28, 1992 |
| Recorded | 1991 |
| Venue | King King Club, Los Angeles[1] |
| Genre | Blues rock |
| Length | 59:04 |
| Label | Def American |
| Producer | Rick Rubin |
The album captures the immediacy and informality of a small club performance.[3] It features the band's interpretation of blues songs originally recorded by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon as well as some band originals.
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
King King was released in July 1992 and a review in USA Today called it "the year's most electrifying live album, a stunning debut".[4] According to the Los Angeles Times, "King King is a 12-song live recording that captures the band in fine, aggressive form at the La Brea Avenue club".[5]
AllMusic's gave the album a three out of five star rating, calling it a mix of straight-ahead blues and singer/harmonica player Lester Butler's later alternative rock.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Automatic" | Willie Love | 3:26 |
| 2. | "Goin' to the Church" | Lester Butler | 4:07 |
| 3. | "She's Dangerous" | Willie Dixon | 5:02 |
| 4. | "I Wish You Would" | Billy Boy Arnold | 3:01 |
| 5. | "Cross Your Heart" | Rice Miller a.k.a. Sonny Boy Williamson II | 4:28 |
| 6. | "Tail Dragger" | Dixon[6] | 5:24 |
| 7. | "Devil Woman" | The Red Devils | 6:57 |
| 8. | "No Fightin'" | Butler | 5:56 |
| 9. | "Mr. Highway Man" | Chester Burnett a.k.a. Howlin' Wolf | 3:35 |
| 10. | "I'm Ready" | Dixon[7] | 3:46 |
| 11. | "Quarter to Twelve" | Marion Jacobs a.k.a. Little Walter | 7:03 |
| 12. | "Cut That Out" | Junior Wells[8] | 4:59 |
| Total length: | 59:04 | ||
Personnel
- The Red Devils
- Lester Butler – vocals, harmonica
- Paul "The Kid" Size – lead guitar
- Dave Lee Bartel – rhythm guitar
- Johnny Ray Bartel – bass
- Bill Bateman – drums
References
- In 1991–1992, King King was on the corner of 6th Street and La Brea Avenue, normally considered in the Mid-Wilshire district, not Hollywood as it is described in some reviews.
- Leroy, Dan (2007). The Greatest Music Never Sold: Secrets of Legendary Lost Albums by David Bowie, Seal, Beastie Boys, Chicago, Mick Jagger, and More!. Backbeat Books. pp. 117–44. ISBN 978-0-87930-905-3.
- Ham, Char. "King King – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- Gundersen, Edna (October 28, 1992). "Red Devils Live Album Blasts Raw, Rootsy Blues". USA Today. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- Appleford, Steve (August 23, 1992). "Red Devils' Rowdy Gigs Lure Some Famous Fans". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- Lyrics by Lester Butler
- Using music by James Moore a.k.a. Slim Harpo
- John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson I recorded "Better Cut That Out" in 1947.