BULLFROG BLUES MACHINE. BLUE TATTOO.
BMCD 349.
Running Time: 58.54.

Dutch four-piece Bullfrog Blues Machine have produced a thumping good studio album with all the spontaneity of a live performance. A dozen original tracks from Hans, Chris, Mark and Harry fairly rock along in the old R&B style augmented by some impressive guest musicians including Ben Boumann on blues harp.
Hans Klerken gets into the spirit of things with some beefy vocals and riffy guitar, with Chris Janssen adding some funky bass, Mark Spronk laying down some atmospheric keyboard work, all underpinned by the spot-on percussion of drummer Harry Steverink.
  From the bouncy opener “Who’s Fooling Who” to the closing “Pay It Back” the standard is high.  Highlights include the raucous “John’s Barn Beer” and the moody “Boogie Man.”  All leading to the conclusion that if they can put this much energy into a studio recording, they must be pretty hot live. (© Peter Ashton 2003)

THE PAPERBOYS.
DILAPIDATED BEAUTY.
STOMPY DISCS 76700 9999925.
Running time: Disc 1 - 44.26
Disc 2 - 32.40.

A double CD from a rootsy Canadian band who have made a lot of friends over in the UK with their lively festival and concert appearances. Unfortunately, their latest release does not capture the zest and passion of their live performances. Disc 1, subtitled “Night Driving” is, well, a bit middle-of-the-road. Despite Tom Lada’s smooth, appealing voice and excellent musicanship throughout, it’s all a bit bland. Good, relaxing late night music or background music, if that’s what you want and some good lyrics on songs like “By The Hand of My Father” and “Blue Highway,” but all a little one-paced.
Disc 2 is more interesting with horns on four of the tracks giving a
country-soul sound. Songs like “Easy Chair” and “Crooked Grin” come over a lot more vividly than anything on Disc 1. Overall the two albums are very easy listening and good value for money at a total of 76 minutes - you can buy it via www.paperboys.com. (© Peter Ashton 2003)