JIMMY BARNES – THE RHYTHM AND THE BLUES
A distinct pattern has emerged that when a vocal artist reaches a certain point in their career and their critical accolades have slowed to a respectable trickle, then it’s time to create an album of nostalgic standards, in a genre of artist’s choice. Now it’s Jimmy Barnes’ turn, although people may recall he has already been down this road with his “Soul Deep” series. This time, our old rocker has opted to record in Los Angeles with a shit-hot session gang and crank out some old RnB favourites. It seems to make sense in theory as Barnes’ distinct shriek definitely was informed by the black soul singers of his childhood, but in practice it’s not so attractive. Here we have some fine rock n roll classics – Keep A Knocking, Hallelujah I Love Her So, My Baby Just Cares For Me… all performed with pizazz and vintage skill by the band, and with full-bodied enthusiasm by Barnes himself. The problem is that his voice with this music is just an odd fit; aside from an admirable turn of soul crooning in A Fool In Love, for the most part a crinkled and barrel chested Scotsman shrieking down the microphone feels a little awkward for this homage – which as a whole is affectionate, but a little grating. It’ll sell well though, and at least old Barnsey is doing it with balls. Let us not forget Human Nature’s attempt at the same thing.
**1/2
