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Except for founding leader/guitarist Kim Simmonds, this long-lived band's 2003 lineup bears no resemblance to the original British group formed in 1966. Still, Savoy Brown deserves credit simply for recording a respectable, even high-quality blues album over 35 years into its existence. Hot off a terrific solo acoustic release, 2001's Blues Like Midnight, a reinvigorated Simmonds signed with high-profile indie Blind Pig and churned out a classy set of smooth yet compelling electric blues. Not as soul-based as in the past, strains of funk ("(Hard Time) Believing in You"), R&B ("Can't Take It With You"), and rock ("When It Rains") help push the group beyond its lackluster and obscure efforts from the past decade. Savoy Brown was least successful when its muscular, amped-up boogie was forced and stilted; yet here the sound is warm and organic. As a singer, Simmonds isn't in a league with previous Savoy Brown vocalists such as the gruff Chris Youlden, the soulful Dave Walker, or the gritty Lonesome Dave Peverett. But he puts across these songs with a low-key, smoky intensity that meshes perfectly with the current lineup's less aggressive attack. Well into his fifties, Simmonds' refined, silvery leads snarl with maturity and subtlety, providing the band's distinctive sound. In particular, his repetitious riff and dusky vocal on "Shake It All Night" convey a J.J. Cale sense of the murky backwoods swamp, heightened by a hypnotic, snakelike slide guitar solo. The disc's only non-original is a slick but classy, partially acoustic version of Blind Boy Fuller's "Meat Shaking Woman." Keeping Savoy Brown's history of tacky, often schlocky album art intact, Strange Dreams' lurid sci-fi cover is not indicative of the superb music inside. Fans of the band's seminal '60s work will find plenty to enjoy here from a name they might have written off or just forgotten. ~ Hal Horowitz
Recorded White Cottage Studios, Oswega, New York.
Personnel: Kim Simmonds (vocals, guitar); Mark Nanni (keyboards); Dennis Cotton (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Ben Elliott.
Recording information: White Cottage Studio, Oswego, NY.
Photographer: Michael Canavan.
Savoy Brown: Kim Simmonds (vocals, guitar); David Malachowski (guitar); Gerry Sorrentino (bass); Dennis Cotton (drums, percussion).
Living Blues (6/03, p.89) - "...This lineup finds second guitar and a rhythms section of bass and drums offering good support behind Simmonds. Simmonds' guitar work has aged nicely..."
Savoy Brown - Strange Dreams Songs
| 1 | When It Rains | | $0.99 | |
| 2 | Can't Take It With You | | $0.99 | |
| 3 | Meat Shaking Woman | | $0.99 | |
| 4 | Strange Dream | | $0.99 | |
| 5 | Keep On Rollin' | | $0.99 | |
| 6 | Shake It All Night | | $0.99 | |
| 7 | Pain of Love | | $0.99 | |
| 8 | (Hard Time) Beliving In You | | $0.99 | |
| 9 | Memphis Last Night | | $0.99 | |
| 10 | Can't Let You Go | | $0.99 | |
Strange Dreams Music Review
Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)    WOW ,A MUST BUY
This is an incredible cd.Great guitar as usual from Mr.Simmons. But his songwriting is incredible and fits his voice extremely well.I for one love it when he does the vocals.This cd should be in every blues or blues-rock fans' collection.It really should get seven stars it's that good.keep it up Kim.
Submitted by ED (CORNING,NEW YORK,USA) 
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A Wonderful "Strange Dream"
Fine Songs, Outstanding Music, Great Guitar - What else is there?
Submitted by a reviewer (Hillsborough, NJ)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  Savoy Browns' Newest
Strange Dreams: Once again Kim Simmonds shows his ability to write, Play, and arrange. This album also reveals what Savoy Brown fans already know. Vocals is not Kim's strong point, and a better vocalist would have definately enhanced Strange Dreams. Also missing is the scorching Keyboard that had become a Savoy Brown Staple. Although in reality this Cd is probably closer to the old blues roots in early american history, it is missing the "boogie" part that made savoy Brown so special. This is an ok Cd to add to your Savoy Brown collection,but by no means will it help you become familar with who Savoy Brown was.
Submitted by G_O_R55 (Trenton, Nebraska, USA)
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 Kim Simmonds 30th Album
Savoy Brown's 30th Album is a lay back blues album with fine songs.
Kim Simmonds is for me one of the best
guitar players.
Submitted by a reviewer (Switzerland)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
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