2120 South Michigan Ave

iTunes Review

As the world’s most successful blues-rock journeyman, George Thorogood pays further tribute to the blues with this collection of Chess Records covers, two original tributes and the title track, a cover of the Rolling Stones’ instrumental that itself paid homage to the Chicago address of Chess Records. The occasional use of Auto-Tune is an odd production choice, but the rest is a powerful blend of raw and refined recordings, with special guests Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite adding to the excitement. The songs are mostly the usual suspects. “Hi-Heel Sneakers,” “Spoonful,” “Let It Rock,” “Bo Diddley” and “Help Me” have been recorded by many blues enthusiasts over the years and Thorogood’s charm is his husky, immediately recognizable voice that lends a sense of comfort to the recordings. If he’s never been a brilliant interpreter like Eric Clapton or Peter Green, Thorogood has known how to throw a party; this album is an excellent choice to kick up a dancefloor for old school fans. The driving grooves of “Mama Talk To Your Daughter,” “My Babe” and “Seventh Son” play like classic rock.