The Blasters (album)


The Blasters is the second album by American rock and roll band The Blasters. Originally released in the United States by the independent label Slash Records, its later strong sales performance required a deal for wider distribution with Warner Bros. Records. The album was well-received, making Time magazine's list of "top 10 albums" for 1982 and peaking at number 36 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart.
The album was issued in the United Kingdom via F-Beat Records. The British album featured different artwork from the American version, which depicts lead singer Phil Alvin in what was later described as "the way he contorts his face between almost every verse in his trademark grinning-skull grimace."

Critical reception

The album was critically well received. According to a 2002 PopMatters article, the national distribution of The Blasters was an eye-opener for listeners of "rockabilly, country, blues, and New Orleans roadhouse R&B," who found a band capable of producing new material that "stood up well to the influences from whence they sprang". Trouser Press declared that the album "smokes" and that the band's performance was "tighter than a drum". Rolling Stone praised the "bright, raw playing, terrific taste and...full-bodied vocals", while drawing special attention to the band's drummer, Bill Bateman, whose playing it indicated was "he real key to the Blaster's exuberant authenticity...."

Track listing

All songs composed by Dave Alvin, except where noted.
  1. "Marie Marie" – 2:07
  2. "No Other Girl" – 2:29
  3. "I'm Shakin'" – 2:22
  4. "Border Radio" – 2:47
  5. "American Music" – 2:10
  6. "So Long Baby Goodbye" – 2:24
  7. "Hollywood Bed" – 3:33
  8. "Never No Mo' Blues" – 2:47
  9. "This is It" – 2:15
  10. "Highway 61" – 3:00
  11. "I Love You So" – 2:51
  12. "Stop the Clock" – 1:56

    Personnel

;The Blasters
;Additional musicians
;Technical