Little Freddie King - Messin' Around Tha House (2008) Lossless

The latest CD from New Orleans resident country blues legend is very much a mixed bag. The bulk of Messin’ Around Tha House is comprised of some very fine, simple, small combo blues. However it also contains some remixed left over tracks King did a few years ago for Fat Possum Records that were part of the label’s attempt to remix the blues to make them seem more modern. Let’s just say the blues were lost in the remixing process on those three tracks, but the recent songs prove that King has actually improved with age. He has developed an attractive, unforced, authentic blues sound that might remind you a little of Smokey Smothers. Originals here worth noting are the pleading “Can’t Do Nothing Babe,” and the rambling “Bad News.” There’s also a salute to King’s mentor, Freddy King, on the instrumental “Kinghead Shuffle.” King’s timing is often quirky, but the band really hangs in, not overpowering King and supplying just the right backing. If you can filter out the afore-mentioned rabble, this is a damn good blues CD.