I already have the eponymous one and Second Album which seem to be held in high regard by many. They are lovely, and I want more. What other albums from him would you recommend me to check out?
From Guitar Player Magazine (can't recall the issue)
Roy Buchanan By Darrin Fox
Roy Buchanan played some of the most emotionally intense electric guitar ever. Although his glory days are generally considered to be the ’70s, Buchanan’s career spanned all the way back to the ’50s, when he played with Dale Hawkins of “Suzy Q” fame. Buchanan’s raw, restless tone, and ability to slay—using equal parts tenderness and face-melting shards of notes delivered with blowtorch Tele-tones—had a major influence on Jeff Beck and Danny Gatton. Another Buchanan apostle is GP consulting editor, Jim Campilongo. “I owe my very guitar existence to him,” says Campilongo who, in-between putting the finishing touches on his new, Russ Titleman-produced record, chimed in on Buchanan’s recorded legacy.
Roy Buchanan, 1972 This is the one. Buchanan’s bittersweet rendition of “Sweet Dreams” became an instant classic, as did his signature tune—the haunting, “The Messiah Will Come Again.” “I always dug the middle Eastern-sounding harmonics on ‘Pete’s Blue,’” says Campilongo. “That tune really shows Roy’s genius and uncompromising emotional energy. I listen to that solo at least once a year, just to check back and remind myself what the electric guitar is all about.”
Second Album, 1973 “If Buchanan albums were movies, then his first two records would be The Godfather and The Godfather II,” says Campilongo about Buchanan’s follow-up to his brilliant Polydor debut. Every cut here is essential, but highlights include “Five String Blues” (Buchanan broke a string in the middle of the take, but finished flawlessly, hence the title), “Tribute to Elmore James,” and “Thank You Lord” (breathtaking waterfalls of sound, courtesy of his amazing circular picking technique).
American Axe: Live in 1974, 2003 Although 1975’s Live Stock is generally considered Buchanan’s definitive live document, for my money, this is the better bet. The sound isn’t as polished as Live Stock, and the vocals are occasionally horrid, but you can feel the volume of Buchanan’s Fender Vibrolux bouncing off of the club’s walls, and rattling the audience’s fillings. His solo flourish before “Johnny B. Goode” is absolutely stupefying.
That’s What I Am Here For, 1974 “‘Roy’s Bluz’ is Buchanan’s slow blues tour de force,” says Campilongo. “Roy throws in everything but the kitchen sink.” This album includes Buchanan’s blistering version of “Hey Joe,” that just might make you ask, Jimi who?
In the Beginning, 1974 With pressure to deliver more sales, Buchanan’s albums start to become slicker and more orchestrated. “But don’t miss ‘Wayfaring Pilgrim,’” urges Campilongo. “It’s a study in unaffected, vibrato-free guitar, before Roy lets it all hang out, making his guitar seemingly weep, then explode. That song unfolds like a movie with a surprise ending.”
Loading Zone, 1977 With Stanley Clarke producing, the processed guitar sounds get in the way of the great double-billing of Steve Cropper and Buchanan as they trade licks on “Green Onions.” But “Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Tar Baby” is wonderful.
My Babe, 1981 “All of Roy’s records are worth a listen,” says Campilongo. True, but the vocal-heavy, My Babe, is definitely not one of his best efforts. However, “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” shows that there couldn’t have been a Danny Gatton without a Buchanan.
Dancing on the Edge, 1986 Props to Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer for giving Buchanan a new lease on life in 1984. But, compared to his classic work, the Alligator years were tilted more towards rock stylings and tones, with flangers and delays a prominent part of his sound.
Don' forget "Early Years", which was released in 1989 by the Krazy Kat label. It has his early - mid 60s 45 recordings. By far, some of the most powerful Rock 'n Roll guitar playing ever recorded IMO: Twin Exhaust, Trophy Run, Mule Train Stomp, Braggin', etc. Great stuff!
A friend of mine, Ted Saverese first taught me about Roy Buchanan. I think my favorite tune was Lonsome Fugitive, but it was hard not to enjoy anything he did.
if you lean more towards the first two albums get the burlap bag snakestrecher album. i was playing at mr music in boston and a man lent me a copy to burn so i know its available on CD but i dont recall the label.
the start of the second solo on since you been gone sounds like a demonic cackle, easily one of my favorite buchanan moments.
livestock may have superior recording quality but this album easily on par.
Comments
Roy Buchanan
By Darrin Fox
Roy Buchanan played some of the most emotionally intense electric guitar ever. Although his glory days are generally considered to be the ’70s, Buchanan’s career spanned all the way back to the ’50s, when he played with Dale Hawkins of “Suzy Q” fame. Buchanan’s raw, restless tone, and ability to slay—using equal parts tenderness and face-melting shards of notes delivered with blowtorch Tele-tones—had a major influence on Jeff Beck and Danny Gatton. Another Buchanan apostle is GP consulting editor, Jim Campilongo. “I owe my very guitar existence to him,” says Campilongo who, in-between putting the finishing touches on his new, Russ Titleman-produced record, chimed in on Buchanan’s recorded legacy.
Roy Buchanan, 1972
This is the one. Buchanan’s bittersweet rendition of “Sweet Dreams” became an instant classic, as did his signature tune—the haunting, “The Messiah Will Come Again.” “I always dug the middle Eastern-sounding harmonics on ‘Pete’s Blue,’” says Campilongo. “That tune really shows Roy’s genius and uncompromising emotional energy. I listen to that solo at least once a year, just to check back and remind myself what the electric guitar is all about.”
Second Album, 1973
“If Buchanan albums were movies, then his first two records would be The Godfather and The Godfather II,” says Campilongo about Buchanan’s follow-up to his brilliant Polydor debut. Every cut here is essential, but highlights include “Five String Blues” (Buchanan broke a string in the middle of the take, but finished flawlessly, hence the title), “Tribute to Elmore James,” and “Thank You Lord” (breathtaking waterfalls of sound, courtesy of his amazing circular picking technique).
American Axe: Live in 1974, 2003
Although 1975’s Live Stock is generally considered Buchanan’s definitive live document, for my money, this is the better bet. The sound isn’t as polished as Live Stock, and the vocals are occasionally horrid, but you can feel the volume of Buchanan’s Fender Vibrolux bouncing off of the club’s walls, and rattling the audience’s fillings. His solo flourish before “Johnny B. Goode” is absolutely stupefying.
That’s What I Am Here For, 1974
“‘Roy’s Bluz’ is Buchanan’s slow blues tour de force,” says Campilongo. “Roy throws in everything but the kitchen sink.” This album includes Buchanan’s blistering version of “Hey Joe,” that just might make you ask, Jimi who?
In the Beginning, 1974
With pressure to deliver more sales, Buchanan’s albums start to become slicker and more orchestrated. “But don’t miss ‘Wayfaring Pilgrim,’” urges Campilongo. “It’s a study in unaffected, vibrato-free guitar, before Roy lets it all hang out, making his guitar seemingly weep, then explode. That song unfolds like a movie with a surprise ending.”
Loading Zone, 1977
With Stanley Clarke producing, the processed guitar sounds get in the way of the great double-billing of Steve Cropper and Buchanan as they trade licks on “Green Onions.” But “Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Tar Baby” is wonderful.
My Babe, 1981
“All of Roy’s records are worth a listen,” says Campilongo. True, but the vocal-heavy, My Babe, is definitely not one of his best efforts. However, “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” shows that there couldn’t have been a Danny Gatton without a Buchanan.
Dancing on the Edge, 1986
Props to Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer for giving Buchanan a new lease on life in 1984. But, compared to his classic work, the Alligator years were tilted more towards rock stylings and tones, with flangers and delays a prominent part of his sound.
As well as the first 2 albums.
the start of the second solo on since you been gone sounds like a demonic cackle, easily one of my favorite buchanan moments.
livestock may have superior recording quality but this album easily on par.
"My 2cents... My favorite Roy tune has always been "I'm a Ram" from Live Stock."
I was about to say the same. Just get a CD with the live version of "I'm a Ram". It may be offered on one of his compilations.