Elvin Bishop

Can’t Even Do Wrong Right

Alligator Records

The one thing about Elvin Bishop’s music that has always appealed to me over the years is that he always puts me in a good mood. His music is all about having fun, whether on stage or on recording, he is consistently there to set the good times rolling. Can’t Even Do Wrong Right is his latest on the Alligator label and you can bet your bottom dollar this is more of that trademark pattern, filled with sharp guitar and his Oklahoma down home swagger and growling vocals. There is plenty of Bishop’s humor in his lyrics and he even takes on a handful of cover numbers by old school bluesmen like Little Walter, Jimmy Reed and Rosco Gordon.

The title track open the disc relating the story of the luckless guy who never learns. Whenever he does something on the wrong side, he ends up getting caught. Whether it’s speeding in his new car after a night at the bar or cheating on his woman across town. He just “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right.”

He’s joined by harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite on “Old School,” a track where he tells you his impression of all modern trends like tattoos and social media, if you want to talk to him call him on the phone, that’s as high tech as he gets. He’s set in his old ways and nothing going to change that.

Old pal Mickey Thomas, who worked with Bishop back in the 70s and was the lead vocalist on his hit “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” returns to help out on the song “Let Your Woman Have Her Way.” As in that earlier song Thomas’ voice sounds true, enhanced by Elvin on some nice slide guitar and Bob Welsh taking his hand on the organ.

Bishop takes another fun stab, this time at life in general, on the tune “Everybody’s In the Same Boat.” He looks into the mirror and asks himself, “Who is that old dude?” But he doesn’t worry, because everybody is in the same situation and you can’t worry about your own mortality, no matter who you are. Life is meant to have fun, so enjoy it while you can. He’s never seen a hearse with a luggage rack on top. And while he’s at it, he throws in a few stinging guitar riffs here and there in the song.

Covers of “No More Doggin’” and “Honest I Do” have been done as instrumentals and showcase Bishop’s guitar work. The first again featuring Charlie Musselwhite’s harp and Steve Willis on accordion. Willis also plays some mean accordion on the Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino’s fun Cajun feeling “Bo Weevil.” And he really works the strings on the old Lionel Hampton piece “Hey-Ba-Ba-Re-Bop,” closing the album with an upbeat, happy feel.

Overall, Can’t Even Do Wrong Right is one of the most enjoyable Elvin Bishop records of recent years. Don’t take things too seriously. Kick on a little Elvin Bishop, let your hair down and have some fun. This one should get you in the right mood.

Total Time: 39:44

Can’t Even Do Wrong Right / Blues With A Feeling / Old School / Let Your Woman Have Her Way / No More Doggin’ / Everybody’s In The Same Boat / Dancin’ / Honest I Do / Bo Weevil / Hey-Ba-Ba-Re-Bop