North Mississippi AllStars – Do It Like We Used to Do

                The new double cd package from the North Mississippi Allstars is a live retrospective dating back from their formation in 1996 up until one of their latest tours in 2008. The live tracks range from performances from clubs, theaters, and festivals with the likes of Bonnaroo and SXSW in Austin. Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson along with Chris Chew definitely continue to show why they can play the blues, mix it with some swampy rock, and then Dixie fry it.

                The first disc starts off with “Someday Baby.” It showcases the very early formation with the original bass player Paul Taylor and Kelly Hurt on backup vocals. It is very raw but Luther’s early slide playing is as clean as it is. Other highlights of the first disc include “I’m in Jail,” “Goin’ Down South,” and “Sugartown.” The 2004 Bonnaroo festival captured a whole live release from the Allstars in 2004 titled Hill Country Review. One of the best tracks from that performance, “Po Black Maddie/Skinny Woman,” is also included here. It evokes a fun vibe and they surely perfected this stomp somewhere in a sticky- hot juke joint playing to the party crowd. As a veteran of North Mississippi Allstars concerts, I can say this is always one of my favorites.

                “Mississippi Bollweevil” starts off the second disc as a stripped down romp with Cody’s drums thundering along. Taken from a 2006 New Years run at the Beacon Theater, the Allstars’ rendition of Hendrix’s “Hear My Train A Comin” is arguably the high mark of the 2 disc set. Luther’s leads take the song up a level. The trio is powerfully tight but ragged, keeping it traditional yet contemporary. “Hippy” showcases bassist Chris Chew’s soulful vocals and is a basic bluesy cry.

                The Allstars frequently have other musicians jam with them such as their father Jim Dickinson, Duwayne Burnside, and Robert Randolph. But In my opinion the tracks on the disc with the band as a trio are the top selections. Do It Like We Used To Do is likely the band’s best all around release because it showcases the band doing what it does best, playing to the crowd live and on stage. I recommend purchasing the 2 disc set and adding it to your blues/rock/jamband collection. World Boogie is Coming!!!

4/5 stars

Peace

Joe

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