Mudbone - Fresh Mud

veering from dirty blues to the sort of rock synth that the 80s wants back

Album Review by Garry Thomson | 11 Jan 2007
Album title: Fresh Mud
Artist: Mudbone
Label: Influx
Having worked with everyone from Prince to Keith Richards, and having played in both Parliament and Bootsy's Rubber Band, it's no surprise that Mudbone's debut solo abum is an amalgamation of styles. From blues to funk to hip-hop and everything in between, no style is left out in the search for the perfect vehicle for his talents. From the opener 'Make The Devil Mad' - veering from dirty blues to the sort of rock synth that the 80s wants back - the stall is set that each track, no matter where it starts, will inevitably end up somewhere else entirely. While this can be refreshing - the gospel soul of 'Come Together Now' is especially effective - it does sound over polished at times, with the influence of producer Dave Stewart apparent throughout. However, the appearance of Bob Dylan playing piano on the closing track 'Home' is a testament to the respect that Mudbone still commands. You can't help but feel that if his ideas were more focused then what is ostensibly a clutch of good songs could become a great album. [Garry Thomson]
Release Date: Out now. http://www.mud-bone.com