November 2005
With many records behind him and a venerable history in music, McClinton could be forgiven if he decided to take it easy at age 65. Instead, Cost of Living is a potent demonstration of his mastery of American roots music. It opens with a ripping New Orleans-style rocker, "One of the Fortunate Few," and by the discs final track McClinton has touched on blues, R&B, country, and more. He jumps from the urban blues of "Your Memory, Me and the Blues" to the thumping rock'n'roll of "Dead Wrong" and nails both with equal skill and conviction. Cost of Living features great musicians who can play anything McClinton throws at them. The soundstage is a bit crowded, but the recording is energetic and atmospheric. McClinton sings with the vigor of a man half his age and could probably go on making records this good for a long time. Lets hope he does. GO BACK TO: |