Dr John - Locked Down

Released: April 2012

Label: Nonesuch

Genre: Blues Rock

Dr John is a veteran of the music industry, and after being inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame (many wonderful congratulations to you Dr John), he has dropped what many people are describing as a throwback album. Locked Down sees Dr John return to his old school New Orleans roots, and with Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach producing it, were we about to witness another Rick Rubin/Johnny Cash masterpiece?

Well, perhaps not. However Locked Down is still a very solid and really enjoyable listen. Auerbach has injected some youthful enthusiasm into the music here, whether that is the catchy blues riffs or the pretty catchy drum patterns, the music helps reinvigorate Dr John’s sound.

Of course what helps make Locked Down such an enjoyable listen is the vocal from Dr John himself. He’s at an age now where his voice becomes raspier to the point of questioning how much gravel and broken glass he’s downed, perhaps alongside Mark Lanegan? Anyway, his voice adds a quality old school feel to Locked Down that makes it sound even better.