Blue Cheer - What Doesn’t Kill You

Turn on the (spinal) tap… Blue Cheer are back and in full flow

If you think San Francisco’s Blue Cheer sound somewhat derivative in 2007, then that’s understandable. It’s also wrong. This is the last of the original power trios, one of the bands which, back in the late 60s, created metal by turning the blues up to 11… several years before Spinal Tap. In terms of originality, founder member, lead singer and bassist Dickie Peterson is joined for half the album by 60s drummer Paul Whaley, now reintegrated into the line-up. Guitarist/vocalist Andrew ‘Duck’ McDonald has depped for original Leigh Stephens for over two decades now, and they go for the jugular as one. Progression, however, is not in their vocabulary. Piece O’The Pie has the same feel as their legendary US chart cover of Summertime Blues from 1968. The pause for breath midway through with the sole ballad, the almost Jagger-esque Young Lions In Paradise, is long overdue. By the time you reach the aptly-titled nine-minute set closer No Relief, the paracetamol count may be significant. Little wonder Lemmy has quoted them as an influence. As Ted Nugent said, if it’s too loud you’re too old. But Blue Cheer, a 60s legend now just into their personal 60s, have clearly turned a deaf ear. Long may they continue to do so.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Evangeline | GELM 4112

Reviewed by Michael Heatley
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