Paul Black and Jo Dog – Everybody Rains on My Parade
Paul Black and Jo Dog -m what can you really say?
When you combine the original guitarist of The Dog’s D’Amour and the original vocalist of L.A. Guns, the result is nothing short of spectacular.
It’s quite a combination!
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That’s exactly what you get on Paul Black and Jo Dog’s new album Everybody Rains on My Parade, a record that blends bluesy rock, pop sensibilities, and a refreshing disregard for trends or fashion, making it feel timeless from the first listen.
A Laid-Back Introduction
The opening track, “Put On The Kettle,” sets a relaxed, welcoming tone with Black’s quasi-Bob Dylan vocal delivery. It’s a simple, warm invitation into an album that unravels like a long conversation between old friends.
Old friend drinking cheap beer and a good bourbon!
Next up is “Tree For Shade,” a Stones-esque – filled with bluesy licks, understated organ, and harmonies that sneak up on you. It’s the kind of song that feels familiar, but still fresh – like a rediscovered classic.
A Record of Variety and Depth
One of the standout tracks is “Blue Like the Morning,” which evokes a mix of Dylan, Faces, and even glimpses of T-Rex and Bowie at their most contemplative. It’s a song built around mournful guitar and a whispered lyric, oozing melancholy and heart.
The slow-burning “High Price to Lead a Low Life” mixes blues and a touch of gospel, delivering an emotional punch that feels both old and new. Meanwhile, “Dead in the Water” serves up Stones-y blues boogie that’s gritty and immediate.
The album takes a detour into quirky, charming territory with the Dylan-esque “You’re Home,” and the title track, “Everybody Rains on My Parade,” which adds a New Orleans jazz influence.
This variety keeps the listener’s attention, never knowing what blend of influences will come next.
Hey – it’s pure rock n’ roll!
Pure Rock n’ Roll Legacy
The genius of this album lies in the fact that it’s the passionate result of two rock n’ roll lifers. Paul Black, best known for his work with L.A. Guns, and Jo Dog from The Dog’s D’Amour have spent their careers wearing their music on their sleeves.
Black’s interesting history with L.A. Guns (being the vocalist after Axl Rose and before Phil Lewis) and Dog’s guitar work both lend the album a sense of authenticity and experience that’s palpable throughout the record.
While the album offers up bluesy rock, it also delves into country and Americana, especially on tracks like “Mi Vida Loca,” which opens with Spanish guitar before easing into a slow, smoky dance under the stars. “Jesus Drives a Schoolbus” pairs gospel influences with the feel of a meeting between Lenny Kravitz and Tom Waits, creating a fascinating musical hybrid.
A Lasting Impression
Closing with “With Regards From Hell,” the album leaves the listener on a high note, a bluesy mid-tempo ballad that echoes the best of Dogs D’Amour and classic 70s blues rock.
It’s the perfect conclusion to an album that feels like a series of intimate conversations, unfolding over multiple listens to reveal deeper layers.
With Everybody Rains on My Parade, Paul Black and Jo Dog have crafted an album that pays homage to their rock n’ roll roots while still sounding fresh and relevant.
It’s a timeless collection of tracks that invites you in with its laid-back charm and holds you with its depth.
If you’re looking for a record that blends blues, rock, and hooks galore, and does it effortlessly, this album is not one to miss.
It’s been out for a few years, but that’s the beauty of today’s digital world. If it’s out there – you can discover it!
Here are a couple of reviews for Everybody Rains on My Parade by Paul Black and Jo Dog:
- AllMusic Review: “The album showcases a blend of hard rock and blues rock, bringing out a gritty and soulful sound reminiscent of the classic rock era. Recorded at Dirty Horse Studios, it retains an authentic, raw energy. It’s a solid offering for fans of traditional rock, with standout tracks like “Put the Kettle On” that capture both the nostalgia and edge of their signature sound .”
- Metal Kingdom Review: “Released in 2022, this album combines hard rock and blues rock influences. Though there are no user reviews yet, it is a well-rounded album with a dynamic tracklist, including the title track “Everybody Rains on My Parade” and the energetic “Tree for Shade.” It’s a Record Store Day release that has garnered attention from rock enthusiasts.”
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