Raw Magic
| Raw Magic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1982 | |||
| Recorded | March 1980 | |||
| Genres | Blues, Chicago blues | |||
| Label | Alligator | |||
| Magic Slim chronology | ||||
| ||||
Raw Magic is an album by the American musician Magic Slim, released in 1982.[1][2] It contains tracks Slim recorded for the French Isabel label.[3] He supported it with a North American tour.[4] Raw Magic was reissued in 1990.[5]
Production
[edit]The album was recorded in March 1980 in France.[6][7] Slim was backed by the Teardrops, which included Junior Petis on guitar, Nate Applewhite on drums, and Nick Holt on bass.[8] The bass line on the cover of "Mustang Sally" incorporates a sixteenth note not found in the original.[9] "You Can't Lose What You Never Had" is a version of the Muddy Waters song.[8] "Mama, Talk to Your Daughter" was written by J. B. Lenoir.[10]
Critical reception
[edit]
The Boston Globe called the album "a scorching Chicago blues dance party record".[16] The Clarion-Ledger said that the music "invokes memories of the old 'stroll' sound, that '50s rhythm 'n' blues music".[17] The Telegram stated that Slim "rips off the notes and slams out the rhythms in a driving, energetic fashion".[18]
Rolling Stone opined that "those who think the [Chicago blues] style is all formula ought to check out what new tricks Slim has taught it."[15] Robert Christgau wrote that "Slim conscientiously approximates the licks and grooves of his betters without adding a thing."[12] Reviewing the reissue, The Ottawa Citizen praised the "hard-edged, rhythmically tight blues".[19]
Track listing
[edit]Side A
- "You Can't Lose What You Never Had"
- "Gravel Road"
- "Ain't Doing Too Bad"
- "Why Does a Woman Treat a Good Man So Bad"
Side B
- "Mama, Talk to Your Daughter"
- "Mustang Sally"
- "In the Heart of the Blues"
References
[edit]- ↑ Santelli, Robert (2001). The Big Book of Blues: A Biographical Encyclopedia. Penguin Books. p. 316.
- ↑ Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 110. Gale. 2014. p. 80.
- ↑ Scott, Frank (1991). The Down Home Guide to the Blues. A Cappella Books. p. 117.
- 1 2 Becker, Bart (August 31, 1982). "La magie du Slim". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 4.
- ↑ Anderson, Bill (October 11, 1990). "Magic Slim and the Teardrops: Raw Magic". The Daily Gleaner. p. 17.
- 1 2 The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings. Penguin Books. 2006. p. 419.
- ↑ Shepard, Eric (October 3, 1982). "...in review". Sunday Journal-News. Rockland County. p. G1.
- 1 2 White, Jim (August 29, 1982). "Slim's 'Raw Magic' Mean and Gritty Blues". The Pittsburgh Press. p. E6.
- ↑ Friedland, Ed (December 2017). "Mustang Sally Redux". Bass Player. Vol. 28, no. 12. p. 62.
- ↑ Claypool, Bob (January 7, 1983). "Records". The Houston Post. p. 10E.
- ↑ All Music Guide to the Blues (3rd ed.). Backbeat Books. 2003. p. 368.
- 1 2 "Magic Slim and the Teardrops". Robert Christgau. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- ↑ Larkin, Colin (1998). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. V. MUZE. p. 3408.
- ↑ MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1998. p. 247.
- 1 2 Marsh, Dave (November 11, 1982). "Magic Slim and the Teardrops: Raw Magic". The Standard. St. Catherines. Rolling Stone. p. 45.
- ↑ "Hit of the Week". Calendar. The Boston Globe. August 12, 1982. p. 1.
- ↑ Hall, Mike (August 22, 1982). "Jazz, blues news". The Clarion-Ledger. p. 5H.
- ↑ Wynn, Ron (October 16, 1982). "Shades of Blue". The Telegram. Bridgeport. p. 16.
- ↑ Moody, Lois (January 11, 1991). "All-purpose soul joy to old timers, '90s audience alike". The Ottawa Citizen. p. D6.