Do It Like We Used to Do

iTunes Review

Now this is the proper way to hear this powerhouse trio. Though they’ve certainly released solid studio recordings, they are first and foremost a road band, and this double-disc delight fully captures their ferocious attack and considerable chops. A chronological compilation of some of their greatest live moments over their 12-year career, Do It Like We Used to Do covers it all — country blues nuggets that reveal the depths of their blues roots (North Mississippi bluesmen R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and J.B. Lenoir have long been their touchstones), extended jams featuring stratospheric solos, and lots of stinging, soulful slide guitar work by Luther Dickinson. Since they’re blues interpreters at heart, the band (which includes Luther’s brother Cody on drums and Chris Chew on bass) doesn’t write many original songs, and it’s their unique melding of past and present that dominates this exhaustive (and exhausting!) set. The Allstars play with enormous heart and feel and both are in abundance on this excellent collection.