Track Listing

1. Hold That Train
2. Housekeeping Job
3. Don't Call Me
4. Check My Baby's Oil
5. First I Look At The Purse
6. Love Don't Live Here Anymore
7. Life Got In The Way
8. Candy Sweet
9. Woman, Take A Bow
10. My Baby Moves Me
11. Dying To Live
12. Open Invitation
13. Every Man Needs A Good Woman
14. Take Five

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10896 in Music
• Released on: 2008-08-26
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
Lil' Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials--guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James "Pookie" Young, drummer Kelly Littleton--are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Live, Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials simply can't be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Not since the heyday of Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers has a Chicago blues band made such a consistently joyous, rollicking noise

On their new Alligator album, FULL TILT, Lil' Ed's romping, sizzling guitar and rough-hewn vocals, Young's thumping bass, Garrett's feral rhythm guitar and Littleton's unpredictable, rock-solid drumming produce a modern blues firestorm steeped in tradition. Produced by Williams and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, Full Tilt captures all of Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials' legendary live energy on disc. From foot-stomping boogies to emotionally charged slow blues to rocked out celebrations, FULL TILT is a party-inducing delight. The addition of horn players Eddie McKinley and David Basinger and pianist/organist Johnny Iguana on a few songs add even more punch and power to the proceedings.

Amazon.com
Full Tilt isn't just an album title to diminutive slide guitar slinger Lil' Ed Williams. It's the only way he plays -- even on this CD's slow double entendre blues "Check My Baby's Oil," where Lil' Ed's guitar maintains its serrated keen as his Blues Imperials ply a gentle groove under their boss's most restrained warm-clay crooning. This disc also marks Ed and his backing trio's 20th year updating the slide-driven sound Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, Robert Nighthawk, and Ed's uncle J.B. Hutto defined in Chicago's fertile '50s and '60s blues scene. Williams assimilates his influences' finest qualities. He sings with the howling wildness of James and Hutto, which swaps the urban sophistication of the R&B classic "First I Look at the Purse" for a dirty juke joint patina. The James and Nighthawk inspired melodies of Ed's slide on the heartbreak ballad "Life Got in the Way" have the slow ebb of falling teardrops. And when Ed tackles Taylor's traditional set-ender "Take Five" his speed and precise intonation, also drawn from Nighthawk and James, allow him to execute a slew of delirious, whinnying, moaning slide effects without upending the song. Track-to-track Full Tilt is raw, deeply rooted, and unremittingly entertaining. -- Ted Drozdowski

The Chicago Tribune
Williams represents one of the few remaining authentic links to the raucous, pure Chicago blues

Customer Reviews

2008's Best New CD!
As a Ed Head of over 20 years and having seen these guys over 100 times I can honestly say this is the greatest release ever from a band whose previous work has already garnered numerous awards. The best thing about these guys is the energy and pacing of their live shows, it is captured in this release.

It kicks off with "Hold That Train" loaded with Ed's signature greasy Chicago slide and impassioned vocals. The Blues Imperials are as usual tight and crisp. This is just sheer joy, real deal Chicago Blues. No one plays this type of passionate Chicago Slide anymore,I will guarantee this will be nominated for a BMA for best album. Other great tracks include "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" with some piano mixed in for good measure and a racous cover of Houndog Taylor's "Take 5". There's also burning slow blues like "Check My baby's Oil" and "Life Got in the Way". They even cover Smokey Robinson's 'First I Look at the Purse". If you want to have some fun, have a few drinks, shake your booty a bit, you do not want to miss this release. Good stuff from start to finish.

Fult Tilt ain't no lie!!!
This could possibly be Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials' best album yet! I am a huge fan of theirs and listen to them a lot. I have never been disappointed with any of their albums and this one is no exception. From the first track through the last, you'll be rockin'! There is not a bad song on it. Full Tilt is the perfect title for this! These guys have been together for years and it shows. They are TIGHT! Buy this CD and see live if you get the chance. You won't be sorry.

lil' ed
True to form, Lil' Ed has a CD full of house rocking blues. In the manner of Magic Slim, he brings fast-paced blues to you. Great CD to add to your dancing collection.