With new
John Lee Hooker songs, new versions of old
Hooker songs, four duets with and a new song by
Van Morrison,
Don't Look Back continues the venerable bluesman's string of excellent albums in his '90s renaissance. Produced by
Morrison, it also celebrates the 25th anniversary of their first recording together, as
Morrison guested on
Hooker's seminal
Never Get Out of These Blues Alive in 1972.
Don't Look Back hits the ground running with a rowdy, thumpin' remake of "Dimples" with
Los Lobos; "Spellbound" pounds out more of
Hooker's stylistic trademark -- throbbing, raw, hard-driving boogie. The
Morrison tracks include the ruminative title cut and his haunting "The Healing Game."
Hooker also gives
Hendrix's classic blues "Red House" his own rough-hewn, distinctive treatment. [The 2007 SPV edition includes two bonus tracks.] ~ Chris Slawecki