I'm in the Wrong Business!
I'm in the Wrong Business! is an album by the American musician A.C. Reed, released in 1987.[2][3] Backed by the Spark Plugs, Reed promoted the album with a North American tour.[4] It sold around 50,000 copies in its first two years of release.[5]
I'm in the Wrong Business! | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1987 | |||
Genre | Chicago blues | |||
Label | Alligator[1] | |||
A.C. Reed chronology | ||||
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Production
The album was recorded in four studios across the United States.[6] Reed wrote all of the album's songs; his saxophone style was influenced by J. T. Brown.[7][8] Bonnie Raitt, Maurice John Vaughn, and Stevie Ray Vaughan played on I'm in the Wrong Business![9][10] Junior Markham played harmonica on "This Little Voice".[11] The title track is a complaint about the music business; Reed made it a point to use humor in his songs.[12][13]
Critical reception
Robert Christgau wrote that "title boast to the contrary, Reed has a commercial knack—he knows how to distinguish himself from competing bluesmen, more gifted ones included."[16] The Boston Globe deemed the album a "red-hot session" by the "definitive Chicago blues sax player."[19] USA Today stated that "Steve Diztell's careening guitar break on the irresistibly funky 'Don't Drive Drunk' is impressive."[20]
The Washington Post noted that, "rhythmically, the album generally has the languid, loping feel of a Jimmy Reed tune."[12] The Philadelphia Inquirer determined that Reed "makes his own blues sound both accessible to the marketplace and gratifyingly raunchy."[18] The Herald American wrote: "By not taking the blues too seriously, Reed has produced one of the genre's most contemporary works."[21]
AllMusic called the album "solid, soulful blues, often with humorous, self-deprecating lyrics."[14]
Track listing
All tracks are written by A.C. Reed
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "I'm in the Wrong Business" | |
2. | "I Can't Go On This Way" | |
3. | "Fast Food Annie" | |
4. | "This Little Voice" | |
5. | "My Buddy Buddy Friends" | |
6. | "She's Fine" | |
7. | "These Blues Is Killing Me" | |
8. | "Miami Strut" | |
9. | "The Things I Want You to Do" | |
10. | "Don't Drive Drunk" |
References
- Komara, Edward M. (September 3, 2006). "Encyclopedia of the Blues: K-Z, index". Taylor & Francis US – via Google Books.
- Hadley, Frank-John (September 3, 1993). "The Grove Press Guide to the Blues on CD". Grove Press – via Google Books.
- "Obituary: AC Reed". the Guardian. April 12, 2004.
- Provencher, Norman (3 Oct 1987). "Saxophonist pounds home the blues". Ottawa Citizen. p. C11.
- MacInnis, Craig (April 21, 1989). "Bluesman dislikes Canadian customs". Toronto Star. p. D16.
- Miller, Mark (24 Mar 1988). "I'm In The Wrong Business A. C. Reed". The Globe and Mail. p. C4.
- Racine, Marty (January 10, 1988). "Records". Zest. Houston Chronicle. p. 11.
- Hoekstra, Dave (February 5, 1988). "Saxophonist A. C. Reed finds right key for blues". WEEKEND PLUS. Chicago Sun-Times. p. 7.
- Van Matre, Lynn (28 Aug 1987). "The Concert Line". Tempo. Chicago Tribune. p. 5.
- MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1998. p. 306.
- Hall, Ken (31 Jan 1988). "A.C. Reed gives the blues his best". St. Petersburg Times. p. 2F.
- Joyce, Mike (16 Dec 1987). "Alligator's Cutting Edge". The Washington Post. p. D7.
- The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings. Penguin Books Ltd. 2006. p. 541.
- "A.C. Reed - I'm in the Wrong Business Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic.
- Popson, Tom (18 Dec 1987). "Also available from Alligator...". Chicago Tribune. Friday. p. L.
- "Robert Christgau: CG: A.C. Reed". www.robertchristgau.com.
- Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 6. MUZE. p. 820.
- Tucker, Ken (17 Jan 1988). "A.C. Reed I'm in the Wrong Business!". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. F8.
- Morse, Steve (6 Dec 1987). "BLUES". The Boston Globe. p. A29.
- Peterson, Joe (December 18, 1987). "'I'M IN THE WRONG BUSINESS' A.C. Reed". USA Today.
- Bourke, Brian G. (December 20, 1987). "I'M IN THE WRONG BUSINESS, A.C. Reed". Stars. Herald American. p. 5.