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brianrobertson_diamondsanddirt
Artist: Brian Robertson
Title: Diamonds And Dirt
Genre: Hard Rock / Blues-Rock / Rock’n’Roll
Release Date: 25th March 2011
Label: Steamhammer / SPV


Album Review

BRIAN “ROBBO” ROBERTSON is a classically trained musician who was charmed by the Rock’n’Roll scene to abandon cello and piano for guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. When he moved from Scotland to London at the age of 17 he tried to find a band to drum for but ended up playing guitar for THIN LIZZY. After playing on six of their albums he left to form a band of his own called ‘WILD HORSES’ together with Jimmy Bain (previously RAINBOW) but the band didn’t get off the ground as much as they had hoped, so they broke up. Robertson went on working as a session musician for many bands and acts until he ended up working with MOTÖRHEAD, although this was to be only for a short period of time, he recorded ‘Another Perfect Day’ with them as well as lending his skills on two other albums. After this he joined his musical forces with Frankie Miller. It’s more a question with whom he didn’t play than with whom he did. But now he’s here with his own album entitled ‘Diamonds And Dirt’.

The album sounds modern and yet at the same time the good old Rock’n’Roll as you know it from before, but because ROBERTSON’s been there and has done it, this has a genuine and not an imitation feel. It’s also obvious he’s put a lot of himself into his creation.  There are many songs that make you think of other bands/singers too, the third ‘It’s Only Money’ feels a bit like a BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, the following ‘Mail box’ like ROBERT PALMER, a character few other songs share as well. Some also feel like glam of POISON. Having said that, ‘It’s Only Money’ is probably my favourite of the album. The riff interlaced with bass is fun and heavy at the same time. The singing, intonation and emphasis evoke the atmosphere and underline the good quality of lyrics here too. The guitar solos on many of the songs take one definitely back in time. ‘Texas Wind’ uses the instruments to paint a picture of the sweeping wind-woman. The singing feels more in the background, but that’s a good touch here.

‘That’s All’ starts with country sound and soon blends into rock with wailing guitars piercing the song often, the whole feels like a moodiest piece of ‘Diamonds And Dirt’ with slightly more subdued fun aspect of all the rest. ‘10 Miles To Go On A 9 Mile Road’ starts with slightly oriental sound that soon turns into half recited vocal, there’s a good narrative going on, an interesting track altogether. I can’t say you will find diamonds here, but a lot of good old, fun Rock’n’Roll for sure and a showcase of old time, skilful musicianship.


Tracklist

01. Diamonds And Dirt – 4.21
02. Passion – 4.30
03. It’s Only Money – 3.19
04. Mail Box – 4.17
05. Running Back – 4.03
06. Texas Wind – 3.43
07. Devil In My Soul – 4.04
08. Blues Boy – 5.22
09. That’s All – 5.00
10. 10 Miles To Go On A 9 Mile Road – 4.58
11. Running Back – Slow Version – 5.56
12. Aint’ Got No Money – Bonus Track – 4.59


Websites

http://robbo.thin-lizzy.com


Cover Picture

brianrobertson_diamondsanddirt


Rating

Music: 6
Sound: 7
Total: 6.5 / 10


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