There’s much to say about “Friendlytown,” but let’s start with this: Billy F Gibbons is on the thing.
That’s because Steve Cropper is a music lifer. Now in his 80s, he was at Stax Studio and has worked with everyone.
But he never wants to sit still, always wants to push forward, and that’s all over the title track here.
“Too Much Stress” features the talents of Brian May, “Hurry Up Sundown” is a funky, soul-filled freak out that knows that the best stuff doesn’t happen in the daytime, and “Talkin’ Bout Politics” excoriates the ruling classes beautifully – and has the added bonus of sounding like ZZ Top.
There’s a fair old range of stuff here, “Lay It “Down” has an East Band feel, and another guest—MV favorite Tim Montana—makes an appearance on the superb “You Can’t Refuse.” The Chicago blues style is alive and well on “There’s Always A Catch.”
The record may end with the reflective “I Leave You In Peace,” but Steve Cropper is going nowhere.
“If your booty isn’t shaking after the first two bars,” he said, “you’re already dead in the chair.”
The healing power that only music possesses is all on show here. Grab some of the elixir.
Rating: 8/10
REVIEW IN BRIEF – STEVE CROPPER – FRIENDLTOWN (2024)
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