Foghat Family Joules CD

This is a 2003 album by yet another reincarnation of Foghat, recorded a few years after the death of Lonesome Dave Peverett, the band's main claim to fame and sole source of originality. The only original members are bassist Tony Stevens and drummer Roger Earl, and let's face it, Foghat was never known for its magnificent, driving rhythm section. The creative core of this album is singer/rhythm guitarist Charlie Huhn, a journeyman best known for a few years with Ted Nugent, and lead guitarist/producer Bryan Bassett, whose biggest career splash happened in the mid-'70s when he was the second guitarist in Wild Cherry. Family Joules sounds pretty much exactly how one would expect from a pedigree like that: refried boogie jams with repetitive guitar riffs and titles like "Sex with the Ex" and "I'm a Rock 'N Roller." It would work if the band sounded like they had the least bit of interest in the proceedings, but at its best, Family Joules only barely sounds like the work of a band wanting new merch to flog as it works the county fair circuit. ~ Stewart Mason

'FAMILY JOULES' is a collection of thirteen new, incredible songs from one of the hardest-working, and longest running rock bands in music history. Since 1971 FOGHAT has been giving the fans what they've wanted, great Rock 'n Roll music, and this CD is no exception. It is a real collaboration with all four members of the band bringing song ideas to the project. The boys say they had a great time making this record and those good vibes come across on every track. It was truly an experience watching this 'work' unfold as they each brought ideas and/or nearly completed songs to the table each day and then worked their magic and 'PUT THE HAT ON IT' to give each track it's finishing touch.For the production of this project Bryan Bassett (Foghat's multi-talented lead-guitarist) put together a mobile digital recording studio (The Blue Brain Mobile Unit) and set up in Studio C at Pyramax Studios in Lake Helen, Florida. The sessions were then transferred to ProTools and mixed by Bryan in The Blue Brain Immobile Unit (Bryan's home studio) with help from Tony Stevens and Foghat's 'live sound guy' Carl Davino. Bob Katz at Digital Domain did the mastering. "Family Joules" was produced by "Foghat" and is released on their own BESH records.The reviews from fans and DJ's thus far have been fantastic. The rhythm section comprised of original members Roger Earl and Tony Stevens is as solid & dynamic as ever in laying down that Foghat groove. Bryan Bassett is just incredible on lead and slide guitar with some of the most exciting guitar around today...and Charlie Huhn ignites the band with his amazing vocals, incredible range, and some truly great guitar playing.'FAMILY JOULES' we think, will go down as one of the best in Foghat's long history of great recordings! ___See the latest info on the band at http://www.foghat.net/and tell us what you think on the Foghat (BB) Speakeasy! We love to hear from you...and check out these reviews!!!___GOLDMINE MAGAZINE - MARCH 19, 2004Family JoulesFoghat(BESH 6470) Foghat is one of rockĀ¹s truly timeless bands. After all these years, and the passing of band leader Lonesome Dave Peverett, the group continues to rock the nation to its core with a line up that includes original membersRoger Earl and Tony Stevens, along with Bryan Bassett (Molly Hatchet / Wild Cherry) and the very excellentlead singer and guitarist Charlie Huhn. The radio-friendly album kicks off with the Huhn-penned 'Mumbo Jumbo', whichsets the stage for some mighty fine rock-n-roll. While 'Joules' is most definitely well-produced with excellent musicianship, it would be nothing without some good songs, and the band rises to the challenge. They deliver 13 new songs of great depth and variety. 'Flat Busted' is perfect for radio, and 'IĀ¹m a Rock-N-Roller' finds Huhn sounding more than a little like BonScott.The soul and spirit of the seventies is here, but by no means is this a nostalgia t