The Hips - Mean Dog Blues

Presenter

Stephen Hall

Published

Wednesday 30th November

Local Independent

While The Hips have a long history (first playing together over 30 years ago as Spinifex) they started playing gigs around the WA blues haunts as The Hip Replacements in 2006. Most of their playlist in those days was blues standards from the school of Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf and Junior Wells.

Five years down the track and they have released Mean Dog Blues and it is all original material with most of the song writing being by man about town David Milroy. A range of influences can be heard, however it clearly stands in tradition of post WW2 Chicago electric blues with strong interplay between guitar and harmonica.

As for local influences the sound not dissimilar Sydney outfit the Lemon Squeezin’ Daddies and some of those hot chops echo local bloke Dave Hole. Having said that the rhythm section lays a solid foundation for some great guitar and strong slide work, with the harp has just the right feel to it.

Lyrically it firmly stands in the blues tradition, with some double entendres and the like, however, it doesn’t really venture beyond that. There is not one song that could be considered filler and the production on the entire album is an outstanding full Chicago sound. If you prefer more poppy sounding contemporary blues than this album will not be your thing. But then again blues isn’t meant to sound contrived and too radio friendly.

While some may be tempted to say this album is 30 years in its gestation, the years bring a maturity and sensibility to this, their first album. It is terrific road music as it just keeps moving in the groove when the commuter traffic is grinding.