Iron Man

by Michael Burks

Overview

Michael Burks' third release on Alligator Records, Iron Man, is as close to being a live album as you can get from a studio performance. This could be attributed to Burks using his seasoned road band on this date instead of the Memphis studio musicians used previously on Make It Rain and I Smell Smoke. Alongside Burks' searing Flying V strut, Wayne Sharp's greasy Hammond B-3 dominates this set, reveling in soul and rock influences, including a cover version of Free's "Fire and Water," a definite nod to the blues-rock audience Burks has gained over his 30-plus years on the road. While Iron Man is an overall inspired modern electric blues disc, a few missteps hamper the session. "Ashes in My Ashtray," penned by Chicago bluesman Jimmy Johnson, would have made a better instrumental in this particular case, as the lyrics get in the way of an intense Burks guitar performance. "Don't Waste My Time" is a pleasant enough midtempo track, but falls by the wayside compared to the gritty blues of "Changed Man" and "Love Disease." As on previous releases, Burks' explosive guitar solos are the most notable aspect to this enthusiastic, if somewhat predictable, outing. ~ Al Campbell

Product Details

Release Date:	04/08/2008
Label:	Alligator Records
UPC:	0014551492320
Rank:	126198

Tracks

1. Love Disease
2. Strange Feeling
3. Empty Promises
4. Salty Tears
5. No More Crying
6. Ashes in My Ashtray
7. Don't Waste My Time
8. Quiet Little Town
9. Hard Come, Easy Go
10. Icepick Through My Heart
11. Fire and Water
12. Changed Man

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Michael Burks   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar
Wayne Sharp   Piano,Organ
Chuck "Popcorn" Louden   Drums
Don Garrett   Bass
Frank Donaldson   Percussion

Technical Credits

Blaise Barton   Engineer,Mixing
Michael Trossman   Logo Design
Paul Natkin   Photography
Bruce Iglauer   Liner Notes,Mastering,Producer,Composer
Dan Stout   Mastering
Michael Burks   Producer
Kevin Niemiec   Package Design