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Michael Burks|I Smell Smoke

I Smell Smoke

Michael Burks

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A continuation of the sound established on his Alligator debut, I Smell Smoke is even more impressive than its much-heralded predecessor. While vocally Michael Burks still invites comparison to Albert King, especially on gospel-fried ballads like "Lie to Me" (the Flying V guitar he sports on this album's cover shot further reinforces the similarities between the two artists), his guitar work has become more electrified and confident. With a tone sounding at times like Eric Clapton's psychedelic work in Cream and a rugged four-piece band supporting him, this is a tough, uncompromising contemporary blues/blues-rock/R&B album that doesn't pull punches. Co-produced and mixed by veteran Jim Gaines, the sound is professional but not polished, with Burks' strong persona commanding attention. However, the songs -- which are far above average -- are as important as the performance. Mostly written by outside sources, Burks avoids the crowd-pleasing covers that populate his live shows, instead digging into obscure tunes such as Latimore's "Let the Doorknob Hit You," delivering them with his gutsy punch. His playing often takes on a Buddy Guy-styled intensity, with leads that reach out of the speakers, wrapping around and reeling you in. Even the slow blues tracks are played full-bore, but the closing "Snake Eggs," with just guitar and Billy Gibson's fiery, overdriven Little Walter-styled harmonica, shows that Michael Burks doesn't need help to create all the smoke he wants.
© Hal Horowitz /TiVo

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I Smell Smoke

Michael Burks

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1
All Your Affection Is Gone
00:04:31

Payton, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Guitar Killer, Inc., 2631 W. Ansile, Chicago, IL 60625, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

2
One More Chance
00:03:41

Hatley, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Billy Buck Music, 2459 Brookwood Rd., Richmond, VA 23235, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

3
I Smell Smoke
00:03:50

tiven, Composer, Lyricist - Reale, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Roger C. Reale dba Terminal Zone Music, 74 Mill Plain Rd., Branford, CT 06405-27, MusicPublisher - Universal-Polygram Intl. Publ./Ralph Young Music c/o Harry Fox Agency, MusicPublisher - Universal-Songs of Polygram Intl/Private Domain Music c/o Harry Fox Agency, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

4
Time I Came In Out Of The Rain
00:06:08

Burks, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Eyeball Music, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

5
Hard Love
00:03:24

Steen, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Latersville Music c/o Bug Music c/o Harry Fox Agency, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

6
Miss Mercy
00:04:02

Hahn, Composer, Lyricist - Burks, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Eyeball Music, MusicPublisher - Avarice & Greed Publ., MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

7
Let The Doorknob Hit You
00:05:10

Latimore, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - EMI Longitude Music c/o Harry Fox Agency, MusicPublisher - Malaco Music c/o Peer Music, 5358 Melrose Ave., Ste. 400, Los Angeles, CA 90038, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

8
Lie To Me
00:05:20

James, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Troppo Forte Music, 4093 Diamond Ruby, Suite 7, Box 300, Christiansted, US Virgi, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

9
Willing To Crawl
00:04:14

Jones, Composer, Lyricist - Publisher Unknown, MusicPublisher - Polk, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

10
I Hope He's Worth My Pain
00:03:26

Hahn, Composer, Lyricist - Burks, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Eyeball Music, MusicPublisher - Avarice & Greed Publ., MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

11
Good Man, Bad Thing
00:03:55

Steen, Composer, Lyricist - Michael Burks, MainArtist - Latersville Music c/o Bug Music c/o Harry Fox Agency, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

12
Snake Eggs
00:04:00

Michael Burks, MainArtist - Schwilm, Composer, Lyricist - Bishop Gabig Music, 3260 Sawtelle Blvd., # 210, Los Angeles, CA 90066-1649, MusicPublisher

2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

Album review

A continuation of the sound established on his Alligator debut, I Smell Smoke is even more impressive than its much-heralded predecessor. While vocally Michael Burks still invites comparison to Albert King, especially on gospel-fried ballads like "Lie to Me" (the Flying V guitar he sports on this album's cover shot further reinforces the similarities between the two artists), his guitar work has become more electrified and confident. With a tone sounding at times like Eric Clapton's psychedelic work in Cream and a rugged four-piece band supporting him, this is a tough, uncompromising contemporary blues/blues-rock/R&B album that doesn't pull punches. Co-produced and mixed by veteran Jim Gaines, the sound is professional but not polished, with Burks' strong persona commanding attention. However, the songs -- which are far above average -- are as important as the performance. Mostly written by outside sources, Burks avoids the crowd-pleasing covers that populate his live shows, instead digging into obscure tunes such as Latimore's "Let the Doorknob Hit You," delivering them with his gutsy punch. His playing often takes on a Buddy Guy-styled intensity, with leads that reach out of the speakers, wrapping around and reeling you in. Even the slow blues tracks are played full-bore, but the closing "Snake Eggs," with just guitar and Billy Gibson's fiery, overdriven Little Walter-styled harmonica, shows that Michael Burks doesn't need help to create all the smoke he wants.
© Hal Horowitz /TiVo

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2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc 2003 Alligator Records & Artist Mgmt., Inc

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