FOR REVIEW THANKS TO: sippi
Painkiller Blues
Don McMinn
Icehouse Records
Don McMinn has been a Memphis mainstay for about a hundred years now (at least it seems that way), and Painkiller Blues is a good example of why he's been able to remain on top locally for so long. It is a solid, if not groundbreaking, blues record that offers good lead guitar, growling vocals and enough Memphis references to keep the locals and Beale Street tourists happy.
As he strolls through the title track, you can almost see him on the Crawdad's or Rum Boogie stage, singing about getting a "cold Budweiser and a glass of gin." But in the end, Painkiller As much as we enjoy McMinn, he does not seem to be pushing himself very hard. His almost laborious reading of "House of the Rising Sun" slows the record down, rather than add to its palette. And "Memphis in May" is strictly a sing-a-long for tourists. He would be better served to work on more originals rather than covering songs by Hank Williams Jr. ("Loving Instructor"). Too often he goes for novelty over true blues. It plays well in the clubs, but on record we would like to see him stretch out more.
The thing is, when McMinn wants to crank out true blues, he can. The title track and "Down Home Blues" are good examples. He pours real emotion into his playing and singing, gets good backup from a band that includes keyboards and horns and stays away from cheap sentiment or local references guaranteed to get a cheer from a Beale Street bar crowd.
Don McMinn
Icehouse Records
Don McMinn has been a Memphis mainstay for about a hundred years now (at least it seems that way), and Painkiller Blues is a good example of why he's been able to remain on top locally for so long. It is a solid, if not groundbreaking, blues record that offers good lead guitar, growling vocals and enough Memphis references to keep the locals and Beale Street tourists happy.
As he strolls through the title track, you can almost see him on the Crawdad's or Rum Boogie stage, singing about getting a "cold Budweiser and a glass of gin." But in the end, Painkiller As much as we enjoy McMinn, he does not seem to be pushing himself very hard. His almost laborious reading of "House of the Rising Sun" slows the record down, rather than add to its palette. And "Memphis in May" is strictly a sing-a-long for tourists. He would be better served to work on more originals rather than covering songs by Hank Williams Jr. ("Loving Instructor"). Too often he goes for novelty over true blues. It plays well in the clubs, but on record we would like to see him stretch out more.
The thing is, when McMinn wants to crank out true blues, he can. The title track and "Down Home Blues" are good examples. He pours real emotion into his playing and singing, gets good backup from a band that includes keyboards and horns and stays away from cheap sentiment or local references guaranteed to get a cheer from a Beale Street bar crowd.
Track Listing Click  to listen to Sound Samples |  |
 |  | Song Title | |
 | | 1. | Painkiller Blues |
| | 2. | I've Earned My Rest |
| | 3. | House Of The Rising Sun |
| | 4. | Where's The Love |
| | 5. | Memphis In May |
| | 6. | Down Home Blues |
| | 7. | Loving Instructor |
| | 8. | Nothing Like A Woman |
| | 9. | Plastic Flowers |
| | 10. | Lay Back |
Notes Personnel: Don McMinn (vocals, guitar); Carl Wolfe (alto saxophone); Mark Gleister (tenor saxophone); Gary Adams (trumpet); Howard Lamb (trombone); Tony Thomas (keyboards); Don Chandler (organ); Rome McMinn (bass); Dee Fisk, Lorina Rae (background vocals).
Recorded at Sam Philips Recording Studios, Memphis, Tennessee. Originally released on Icehouse Records (9400).
Recorded at Sam Philips Recording Studios, Memphis, Tennessee. Originally released on Icehouse Records (9400).
Review Living Blues (9-10/94, p.96) - "...[McMinn] has...[a] hoarse voice with a very limited range, but...enough sense and experience to stay within his abilities. The disc features a blend of Southern rock, blues, soul, and country."
Download Link
Download Link
6 comments:
I have seen Don many times. He is as laid back as his music. Here is
a review from this Disc I thought
I would share with you. Nice blog and great music.
Painkiller Blues
Don McMinn
Icehouse Records
Don McMinn has been a Memphis mainstay for about a hundred years now (at least it seems that way), and Painkiller Blues is a good example of why he's been able to remain on top locally for so long. It is a solid, if not groundbreaking, blues record that offers good lead guitar, growling vocals and enough Memphis references to keep the locals and Beale Street tourists happy.
As he strolls through the title track, you can almost see him on the Crawdad's or Rum Boogie stage, singing about getting a "cold Budweiser and a glass of gin." But in the end, Painkiller As much as we enjoy McMinn, he does not seem to be pushing himself very hard. His almost laborious reading of "House of the Rising Sun" slows the record down, rather than add to its palette. And "Memphis in May" is strictly a sing-a-long for tourists. He would be better served to work on more originals rather than covering songs by Hank Williams Jr. ("Loving Instructor"). Too often he goes for novelty over true blues. It plays well in the clubs, but on record we would like to see him stretch out more.
The thing is, when McMinn wants to crank out true blues, he can. The title track and "Down Home Blues" are good examples. He pours real emotion into his playing and singing, gets good backup from a band that includes keyboards and horns and stays away from cheap sentiment or local references guaranteed to get a cheer from a Beale Street bar crowd.
Thanks
Great sippi thanks for info. Do you have other Don Mcminn albums?
i have:
Painkiller Blues
Heartache Hotel
Cheers Ricsi
Slovakia
No I do not have any others but I will see what I can do. Will check the database at the store but his music while his music is not mainstream. I will attempt to get a hold on his son who played with Poppa Don. This might take some time but you seem to have patience.
I do admire the fact that your age plays an important part in the reason I have returned to your site. I do have a question...have you got any Nolan Struck...if not I am uploading Brother to Brother a
regional recording by He and Kind Edward that has had a few different
distributors. I will email the link
to it later today. I have some work
to do. It seems that it is the normal thing for retired folks like
myself to do. If you care for this I will email it to you. I am not one to post links to the public. I will leave that up to you. It will
be at 320 kbps and done via DivShare due to the size. Just trying to turn you on to something
you might not have. By the way if you are not going to post the Don Mc Heartache Hotel would you consider sharing via email? Just let me repay your kindness before
I ask for anything more. Your dedication to the blues reminds me
of myself when I was your age. Now
I am 57 and still have the urges that I had back when. I will be back from the store soon with what
is in the database until then Keep
on Pushin!!!
hi
i will post heartache hotel. and please post Brother To Brother that i havent got. Thanks for it. BUt please no to divshare/megaupload or sendspace that three dont working from me
Cheers Ricsi
Give me some time to re-do it I will break it down and do it with media fire. It is a split thing with Nolan and his brother King Edward. Would you like "Chainsaw"
Dupont? Guitar Crusher? I will see
what I have that you might not. I will upload the Brother to Brother
and get it to you soon. Painkiller
Blues was the only thing in the database at the store. But I will keep and eye opened for Boogie Man.
Hi
thanks for your effort but dont be in hurt i have time. and please froget the don mcminn i have 2 album that enought thanks
Guitar Crushar i have:
Message To A Man
Chainsaw Dupont i have:
Lake St. Lullaby
thanks for your help
What is your mail? for better comunication
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