R.L. Burnside – Come On Over
Yesterday I blasted A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey and loved every minute. Today, we delve into a bit of a weirder disc.
Making another unpredictable move, Burnside paired with producer Tom Rothrock for this album of remixes of some classic old Burnside tunes. Some of it’s a little jarring, the beats really do change things, but I think it shows the strength of the original material that it all still shines through no matter what.
Come On In (live) is a highlight, just the man and his guitar. But it’s more like the other stuff he’s done, and that’s not really the purpose here. Come On In (part 2) and (part 3) are more in line with the vision for this record, adding beats and grooves.
Rollin’ And Tumblin’ was the release (was it a single?). I first heard it on an old CMJ comp disc. This is full-blown samples, drum machines, loops and effects buoying his original guitar and vocals. It’s impressive, though not what I’d choose to play all the time.
It’s Bad You Know is straight-on dance track, and Shuck Dub sounds like an underwater mix. Heat sounds like a Jon Spencer Blues Explosion outtake (I hope you like drums at the fore). A few others try to walk the middle road between both worlds (Let My Baby Ride, Don’t Stop Honey, Please Don’t Stay, etc).
In Sum:
This record’s all over the map. At its worst moments, parts of this album reminds of Moby and his messing with samples. At its best, its funky groovy blues make great road trip tunes with a really satisfying pulse. I cannot deny the creativity and adventurousness here. Lots to like, some to skip.
keepsmealive 
I don’t think I ever hit this one as hard as the Burnside on Burnside album. Another goody though
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It’s certainly interesting, not his usual fare. I find the tracks go well in a mix, if that helps. There are still some essential tracks on here, but I wouldn’t say that about the whole thing.
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