The band's ground-breaking debut album (1983) that revitalized the blues in the 80s. Already local legends in Austin, the Texas Blues King and the band--Chris Layton playing the drums, Tommy Shannon on the finger bass--had previously made history by becoming the first unsigned and unrecorded group ever to play teh Motreux Jazz Festival. The three eventually found themselves within the sights of legendary A&R man John Hammond, who recognized their talent and signed them to Epic. Texas Flood is considered one of the group's best work and is made up of sets that Double Trouble played in the early days. Stevie Ray Vaughan plays with the undying passion and skill of Blues master--and guitar legend.
Texas Flood
Love Struck BabyI(2:23)- Song similar to the that of Johnny B. Goode describing love between a man and woman. Basically the feeling felt when they are apart, together, and whenever they see each other. Excellent lead, nice little intro to the album. A Double Trouble original.
Pride and Joy (3:40)- Classic SRV. The song best defines the sound of the band for years to come. Pride and Joy is said to be about Stevie's wife, Lenny. Great song, considered the one of his best. Two solos, and boasts S.R. Vaughan's amazing ability to play lead and rhythm at the same time. A Double Trouble original.
Texas Flood (5:21)- Title track, and one of the best in the album. Very bluesy (a good thing for classic blues fans) with a hint of Texas R&B. Impressive, with great, well-written solo + rhythm. Slow but passionate beat. Originally by J.C. Davis and J.W. Scott.
Tell Me (2:48)- Song about a frusturated man who has been given the cold shoulder by his lover. Simple bluesy rhythm. Originally by C. Burnett.
Testify (3:22)- Impressive instrumental with usual Texas style blues. First of three instrumentals (excluding bonus tracks). Average pace, starts casually, and then SRV goes into a nice groove and some nice solos, and speeds it up mid way through the song. Writer Unknown.
Rude Mood (4:40)- Second instrumental. Fast and upbeat, very fun to listen to. SRV definitly showboating his incredible talent. Great beat to the song, pace stays about the same throughout the song. Mid way through, Tommy Shannon (bass) and SRV will jump back in forth (guitar/bass/guitar). SRV kick it up at the end with a nice climax. A Double Trouble original.
Mary Had A Little Lamb (2:47)- Don't let the name fool you--this ain't no kids song. Groovy song with a sexy smoothness to it. (by the great Buddy Guy) SRV keeps his vocals at very smooth near whisper (more like a hush, hush baby...Daddy's here). Slow solo, goes terrific with the song. Originally by Buddy Guy
Dirty Pool (5:02)- Emotionally driven song about the sorrow of two lovers. Passionatly written, SRV sings with powerful emotion. Sad beat retained throught out song, SRV basically strums through it (quick, consecutive, and constant strumming). Solo is basically a contiuation of the rhythm in the song. By S.R. Vaughan in colaboration with D. Bramhall.
I'm Cryin' (3:47)- "Sittin' there so lonely, feelin' O' so blue!" One of my favs off the album, with SRV singing with a sort of angry/frusturated passion. Solo+Rhythm very groovy and shows its enormous Texas influence. Defines SRV/Double Trouble's style well.
Lenny (5:07)- Last instrumental off the original release. Very happy song... Very sweet, dedicated to SRV's then wife, Lenny. Soothing melody, calming bass, and subdued drums. Good song to play to the ladies... Strong passion, love is the prevalent theme to this song.
BONUS TRACKS
SRV Speaks (0:37)- 37 second interview excerpt from "In Step with Stevie Ray Vaughan" edition of ROCK LIVES: THE TIMOTHY WHITE SESSIONS. Originally taped in 1989, about a year before SRV's untimely departure from this world.
Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place in Town) (7:42)- Basically just practice session with the band... It never made it into Texas Flood, mainly because it was just a practice version of the song. Tin Pan Alley did get released officially in Double Trouble's second album, Couldn't Stand the Weather, which was EXCEPTIONALLY DONE. Don't hold this practiced version of the song against the band. Their official version is probably one of the best blues songs I have ever heard. As part of Texas Flood practice sessions, this version of the song is not even complete yet, so you will only hear part of it. Originally by R. Geddins
Testify (Live) (3:54)- "Ladies and gentleman, from Austin Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble!" Live version of the song from a Double Trouble concert. Much better than the recorded version (this is common amongst blues artists and guitar legends such as SRV). Song is considerably faster than the recorded version, and much more impressive on SRV's part. SRV busts out at the end of the song. Overall, more aggressive, and a very good instrumental.
Mary Had a Little Lamb (Live) (3:31)- Much more impressive than the original studio version, SRV even lets out a yell just after the first verse. A real crowd pleaser, wonderful song. Slower paced and an aggressive solo (still slow paced, but with more passion.) Again, vividly illustrating how much better SRV sounds live than in studio... Both sound great, but if you want to really be impressed, listen to him live...
Wham! (Live) (4:20)- "How ya'll are tonight?" Instrumental that... Well, SRV basically plays like he is breakin' outta a jail (like his brother Jimmie says). Amazing song. Fast, aggressive, showy, and very neat. Plays through it flawlessly. You can turn this song up and start dancin' ... Really song ya can dance around and party to. SRV really shows his astonishing talent and overwhemling skill as a guitarist.
Wonderful album. Stevie Ray Vaughan can really play. Highly recommend this album, whether you are a fan of SRV or not. A must have for all blues fans... And if you like SRV and haven't gotten this album yet, get crackin'. If you are guitarist and want to know how a true legend plays, buy it. Easily one of his best.
Only problems I see is that the recording is not crystal clear (very clear, but it could of been better.) Overall, well produced album.
A must have for all blues lovers and guitarists interested in this Legend.
