Foghat "Last Train Home"

I must admit that I'm skeptical of many artists/bands from decades ago who spin the revolving door of personnel, tour the oldies circuit and release an album every seven years or so.  Disappointments are too numerous to mention, but there are always exceptions to the rule.  Foghat was one of the bands I loved in the 70's, and living here in Orlando, I used to run into Lonesome Dave Peverett and the regrouped Foghat in the 90's.  So when I saw a new release listed as blues, I felt like it had earned the casual sample, so I did.  Listening to the first 45 seconds or so to several of the tracks, I thought it sounded OK, but my skepticism overtook the selection and I passed on the purchase.  Just a few weeks later, Mr. Kilts asked me if I had heard it.  I told him the above story, to which he agreed, but he had opted on buying it.  He thought once I got into the meat of the songs that I would change my mind, and I did!  This is footstompin' boogie, the kind that keeps you turning up the volume.  A few originals, some well-chosen covers like "Shake Your Money Maker" and "It Hurts Me Too" (which was also on the Stone Blue album in 1978, but this is a uniquely different take), and an outstanding instrumental called "495 Boogie", which showcases Colin Earl, brother of the only remaining original member, Roger Earl, on piano.  Colin played with another British band you may remember, Mungo Jerry.  And while I'm citing individuals, let me disclose who is in this version of Foghat, and you old-timers out there will understand why this lineup clicks like it does.  On lead guitar is Bryan Bassett.  Who, you say?  Remember that plucky guitar intro to "Play That Funky Music?"  Yep, this is that guy, one of the founding members of Wild Cherry.  He went on to spend several years at King Snake Studios in Sanford (many great blues records cut there) and also as one of the members of the 90's version of Molly Hatchet (actually one of the disappointments I referred to earlier).  On lead vocals and guitar is Charlie Huhn.  This is the guy who got his start with the ultimate egomaniac, Ted Nugent, replacing Derek St. Holmes in 1978.  He was on Weekend Warriors, State of Shock, and Scream Dream with the Terrible One.  He also played with Gary Moore and was the featured singer on the Scorpions drummer's solo album, Herman Ze German, which I absolutely loved.  He was also in a couple of bands some of you might recall, Victory and Deadringer. 
Having owned nearly all of the above resume, it was obvious why "Last Train Home" tickled my Ol' Rocker personna.  The first half of this record steamrolls right along and then coasts into the station on the final three tracks.  I would love to see this version of Foghat in concert, and here is a taste of them live from UCF a couple of years ago.  Now that's blues...