Seasick Steve - You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks Album Review

There is a certain romance surrounding the story of Seasick Steve and when you see him in interviews you can see that he is generally happy to be there, a really nice bloke and that's how we all should be. Maybe it is because what he has been through in his life and what he has seen, maybe it is not.

The opening track ''Treasures' lures you in and the listener immediately feels a sense of security; it's just Steve 'keepin it real' with his three string. The title track 'You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks' is what we've come to love and expect from him; great guitar riffs and a perfect hook with his witty lyrics, all this topped off with a very distinctive vocal.

Many popstars of today like their music polished (ahem, James Blunt) but with Seasick Steve it's raw, straight off the cuff and best of all; it must be played LOUD! 'Whiskey Ballad' is pure brilliance and yet there seems to be nothing special about it, no electronic cleverness, just the man himself and his guuuuiiiittttaaaaaarrrrrrr. Seasick Steve is someone that if you give half the chance, you will just fall in love with his music.

Having built a reputation for making and altering his own equipment by using things like beer cans and hub caps, it's clear to see that Seasick is a real talent - both in front and behind the mixing desk.


You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks is simple music but at the end of it all, you can't help but love it.

8/10

Mark Moore