Ian is renowned for his song-writing but killer songs were only half the equation. Spin Candy Store Kid and you’re also hearing chemistry. As Ian stepped up to the microphone at the Zebra Ranch studio in Coldwater, Mississippi, he was flanked by his dream-team of local legends that he collectively coined The Mississippi Mudbloods. Cody Dickinson is a towering presence on drums, percussion and piano. Dickinson’s multi-instrumentalist brother and Black Crowes sideman Luther Dickinson was enlisted to add guitar and mandolin, and bass on several tracks. Ian first met Alvin Youngblood Hart during 2010’s The Skinny sessions, when the Grammy-winning guitarist swung by the studio and ended up tracking some guitar and backing vocals. There was a mutual desire to work together again, and for Candy Store Kid, he was welcomed back on bass, guitar and backing vocals. Inevitably, when word spread that a limey musician was tearing it up at the local studio, Zebra Ranch became a drop-in centre, with cameos from Garry Burnside, who provides sizzling musicianship on four tracks and composition on Strong Woman; and Lightnin’ Malcolm, who penned So Much Trouble. Blues Music Awards Best Contemporary Blues Album of the Year nomination. British Blues Awards Album of the year.
M**S
One of the best albums of 2012
I really think that someone needs to promote Ian Siegal more. In 2011 he produced an excellent modern blues album in 'The Skinny' and now he's gone and done it again with IMO an even better album in 'Candy Store Kid', but who's listening? Largely ignored by radio and the media here we have one of the great talents of our time ploughing a lonely furrow in the dark mists of obscurity. This is an album of GREAT music. Ranging from Swamp/Country Blues to Blues/Soul reminiscent of perhaps Van Morrison, this deserves to be heard by more people. In fact my favourite track is 'Green Power' a slice of Blues/Soul of which Van the Man would have been proud I'm sure. Elsewhere there's the Swamp Blues of Kingfish and Bayou Country, the Country Blues of I Am The Train and Earlie Grace jnr and yet more Blues/Soul in the form of So Much Trouble and the fine Hard Pressed(what da fuzz?). All great tracks, in fact there isn't a weak track on the album. Just buy it!
Y**E
A Brit in Hill Country
What originally attracted me to this CD was the mention of the backing band, The Mississippi Mudbloods. They being the Dickinson brothers, Alvin Youngblood Hart et al.Of course Ian Siegal has his own distinctive voice and is a mean guitarist also but the sound of Mississippi Hill Country shines through.I must also mention the soulful backing vocals that lift certain of the songs to a higher degree.Kicking off with 'Bayou Country' you'll find yourself in the middle of the swamps where 'Kingfish' finds the same dirty groove.'I am the train' is also one of the more outstanding songs on Candy Store Kid.The musicianship, needless to say, is masterfull throughout the whole album.The only song I don't like very much is 'The Fear'.All this good news means of course that I need to get me his previous album 'The Skinny' asap.You? You should get this new and nice groovin' blues album now.
R**I
Siegal serious americana
This is the first music I bought made by Ian Siegal: 'Candy Store Kid', by Ian Siegal and the Mississippi Mudbloods.This CD was quite a revelation for me, really liked it.'So Much Trouble' is my favourite. For it has a Neil Young quality about it.The album is nicely produced, with one serious flaw though: no lyrics included.
K**M
Brilliant !!
I love all Ian siegal's stuff anyway.
B**R
The great southern sound
Another great blues album from the famous Ian, with the great sounds of the mud bloods, catchy tunes worth the albbum, and listen to it again and again, nice one Ian
D**E
Present for a friend
Our friend wanted this C.D. for a while so decided to get it for his birthday, he was over the moon with it,
N**R
Down South Swagger From the UK's Most Original Bluesman
Very good indeed. Rootsy, deeply authentic, top drawer lyrics (as ever from Seigal), and so much boisterous attitude each song practically leans out of the speakers and taps you for a light.10/10. Recommendation: Buy it now !
A**N
Top Notch Blues Rock !
Great CD from Ian Siegal & band. If you don't know him, it's a great introduction - and if you do know him, you won't want to miss this album ! 5 star from start to finish !
