RORY GALLAGHER

RORY GALLAGHER
AGAINST THE GRAIN (1975)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

This is what I would call one of Rory's definitive albums which are the only 5 stars I award to artists. Of course, the difficulty lies in that all of Rory's albums are good and picking a favorite is difficult. However, I seem to identify Rory's albums grouped in three phases of sound. All of the albums up to this point seemed to be more acoustically and raw blues driven while starting with this album they began to be more rock/blues oriented. This phase lasted through the Stage Struck album which to me seems to be his heaviest. The last phase being the 80's and beyond of which the rock sound comes even more to the forefront as common with the times. Jinx is probably the best example of that phase. Each album has its gems and Against the Grain doesn't disappoint. Personal favorites here include Lost At Sea, Out On the Western Plain, and At The Bottom. Usually, bonus tracks on artists' discs don't seem to add much, but those put on these Rory discs contain some great tracks. If you're wondering about a first Rory album to start with, this is a good choice.

1. Let Me In
2. Cross Me Off Your List
3. Ain't Too Good
4. Souped-Up Ford
5. Bought & Sold
6. I Take What I Want
7. Lost At Sea
8. All Around Man
9. Out On The Western Plain (Live)
10. At The Bottom
11. Cluney Blues
12. My Baby, Sure