Blackfoot: Strikes - 1990

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Blackfoot were from Florida and were notable in that singer/guitarist Ricky Medlocke was of Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot ethnicity, Two other members were of Cherokee and Cree origin. 

This is a fine rock album from 1990, the group' third outing. 

Medlocke has had a couple of spells as part of Lynyrd Skynyrd so it is not surprising that some of their influence is present in this band's Southern rock sound. For me, though, their influence comes just as much from British blues rockers Free. 

Road Fever kicks the album off in great rocking fashion, full of soaring riffs, drums and a classic rock vocal. It is simply fine. powerful kick-ass, blow the cobwebs away rock of which there is always some room for. 

A groovy, catchy drum intro takes us into the Free-esque I Got A Line On You. Once more, the riffage is great as is the powerhouse lead vocal. Rock-wise, everything about this track is perfect. A classic of its genre. 

Left Turn On A Red Light is even more like Paul Rodgers and Free in its majestic slow bluesiness. Check out that huge guitar and drum sound when the song kicks in. Pay My Dues is a solid bluesy chugger, nothing incredibly special, but reliable. Baby Blue continues in the same vein, although it doesn't last long, just a couple of minutes of riffs and rolling drums. As I said, though, it is trustworthy stuff. 

Talking of Free once more, up next is Blackfoot's superb cover of Wishing Well. It is so good, it almost matches the peerless original and that is praise indeed. It takes something to equal Paul Rodgers, doesn't it? You know, Ricky Medlocke almost pulls it off. 

Run And Hide is an average number enhanced by a fine mid-song guitar solo. Train Train is introduced a short bit of solo blues harmonica that morphs into one of the album's best tracks - a full-on, bassy thumper of a rocker. It's a good one and had minor success as a single.

The album's tour de force was the seven minute-plus guitar-driven Highway Song, complete with Free Bird-style extended instrumental ending. Fantastic guitar on there throughout. 

If you like a bit of bluesy, heavy-ish but accessible rock then this will not disappoint. It isn't outrageously good, but it ain't half bad either.

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