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Released in 1969, The House of Blue Lights was Don Covay’s bold, adventurous attempt to reach the
underground audience. Here Covay is backed by the white-hot Jefferson Lemon Blues Band, credited
on the album jacket. Prior to this LP Don Covay released two of the finest soul/pop albums of the 60’s,
Mercy! and See-Saw. The House of Blue Lights is much different than what came before. Most of the
record is grounded in electrified country-blues; a deep Southern, swampy aura dominates the proceedings.
No soul man of the time tried any blues like this before: raw, anguished and lived-in with lots of twangy
guitar solos for good measure. A few of the numbers, namely the title cut parts 1 & 2, maintain a moody
organ-led soul sound that’s highlighted by light sitar flourishes. These lengthy tracks are clear standouts
but other cuts still have the power to stun and amaze. If a bit offbeat, The House of Blue Lights is one of
Covay’s best albums.
Tracks
01. Key To The Highway 2:23
02. Mad Dog Blues 3:29
03. The Blues Don't Knock 3:11
04. Blues Ain't Nothin' But A Good Woman On Your Mind 3:13
05. The House Of Blue Lights (Part 1) 7:33
06. Four Women 3:35
07. Steady Roller 3:17
08. Homemade Love 6:26
09. But I Forgive You Blues 2:31
10. Shut Your Mouth 3:24
11. The House of Blue Lights (Part 2) 4:04
Personnel
Don Covay - Vocals
John Hammond, Jr. - Guitar, Harmonica
Gerald Jemmott - Bass
Daniel Jones - Drums
Charles "Honeyman" Otis - Drums
Joe Richardson - Guitar, Vocals
Butch Valentine - Bass
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