Foghat
Last Train Home
Foghat Records
For their 21st release in 38 years, Foghat has taken a journey back through time to revisit the roots that helped them to grow into one of the ’70s greatest rock and roll bands, earning them eight Gold records, two Platinum records and one Multi-Platinum record. Since their pulse-pounding version of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” hit the airwaves in 1972 and introduced the band to the world, Foghat has in turn introduced legions of younger listeners to the rich tradition and heritage of the blues. Mixing those elements with a rock and roll approach, they forged a unique style that gained them universal fame and millions of fans all over the world. Last Train Home is a fabulous trip back to where it all began, delivered via a collection of scorching songs that showcase just how hard this band works not only for their fans, but for their own legacy as well.
Foghat’s records have always been energized with a blues element – some more than others – but never did they dedicate an entire record to their past influences until now. With this release, Roger Earl, the band’s engine, conductor, and chief coal shoveler, has finally brought to fruition a shared dream, conceived many years ago with Lonesome Dave Peverett. Like all great blues records, this is first and foremost a guitar showcase – and what a fireworks display of a showcase this is. Bryan “Boiler” Bassett and Choo-Choo Charlie Huhn team up for some of the most blistering trade-offs ever heard, as the band rumbles down these twelve thunderous tracks. The train theme running throughout this record is inspired and one that gives the listener a palpable feeling of shared joy and loss throughout the various themes of arrivals and departures.
Along with revisiting some classic Foghat covers, such as “It Hurts Me Too,” “Feel so Bad,” and “Louisiana Blues,” the band takes on such blues staples as “Needle & Spoon,” “Shake Your Money Maker,” “So Many Roads, So Many Trains,” “Rollin & Tumblin/You Need Love.” And if that wasn’t enough swamp water authenticity for the blues purists out there, the “we’re not worthy” moment appears with the album’s closing songs. Eighty-six-year-old blues legend Eddie “Bluesman” Kirkland performs two of his classics, “In My Dreams” and “Good Good Day,” with Foghat participating as the happy and willing house band recreating a special moment in 1977 when Kirkland and Foghat first met and performed together for a blues benefit held at the Palladium in New York City. Along for the ride on these glorious songs as well as on three new numbers, “Born for the Road,” “495 Boogie,” and “Last Train Home,” are Roger’s brother the amazing Colin Earl on keyboards, Lefty “Sugar Lips” Lefkowitz on inspired harmonica duties, and, subbing in for bassist Craig MacGregor who was unable to jump this train due to a prior commitment, longtime friend and band mate Jeff Howell with some piston-pumping bass and vocals.
Foghat is currently giving away a free download of “Born for the Road” at [www.foghat.net](http://www.foghat.net).
Last Train Home is a very special record that’s steeped in rich tradition and, just like any lonesome railroad, doesn’t really come along very often. So climb aboard, kick up your heels, and enjoy this wonderful ride.
