PRINTSound Advice: Andre Williams and the New Orleans Hellhounds
Can You Deal With It?
Courtesy of Bloodshot Records
July 31, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Andre Williams has led a roller coaster life that has taken him from the major-label studios of Motown to homelessness and drug addiction in Chicago. His new album, Can You Deal With It?, evokes these different lives with images of sex and drugs mixed with upbeat soul and rock tempos. Plus, the album was recorded in New Orleans, which undoubtedly contributed to the naughty nature of this 72-year-old’s work.
Don’t let Williams’ age fool you; this isn’t something to listen to with your grandparents. Partnering with the New Orleans Hellhounds, who are known for their hedonistic lifestyle and out-of-control shows, Williams takes gritty lyrics and layers them over his combination of classic rock and hip-swinging soul. Some lyrics are as vulgar as Three 6 Mafia, but the rhythms — a far from hip-hop — mash country blues reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tom Waits.
Related LinksThe title track begins the album but fails to deliver. It seems Williams was looking for a hit that radio listeners would love, but it’s not there. The female backup singer is annoying; she just keeps yelling “Yeah!” Move on.
“Hear You Dance” and “If It Wasn’t For You” are lonely drinking songs, and are more suited to his organic, hearty style. They sound vintage, with slow melodic rhythms, a hint of electric guitar and slow cymbals bringing the beat. The female chorus crooning behind Williams reminds us of his Motown days, despite the rockers providing the backdrop.
The album ends with “Can’t Take ‘Em Off,” which is the kind of song Williams does best. Suggesting elements of a smoky New Orleans’ blues club, rough guitar rifts are coupled with Williams’ bark. The song peaks when high-pitched female vocals join the party.
Although there are some big flubs on Can You Deal With It?, Williams doesn’t completely miss the mark. Sure, being in the music business since he was 16 might dull the thrill of making a new album for him, but he’s not down for the count. And if nothing else, it’s refreshing, albeit slightly creepy, to see a senior citizen still rockin’ out and singing about sexy broads.
Vox Rating:
Twitter
Facebook
