Return To The Last Chance Saloon - Bluetones

Sequels are a bugger to make. You write something, be it a film, song or album, and everyone expects the next one to just as good as, or in many cases, better than, the original. And then we have the case where something, say a debut album, is so good that they could never hope to better it. You're doomed right from the start aren't you? I think you can see where I'm going with this… After the release of their storming debut album, The Bluetones were a big name in the indie music market – big gigs, public appearances, nice write-ups in magazines – and they deserved it too. 'Expecting To Fly' was the kind of debut every band ...  Read the complete review

‘Solomon Bites the Worm’, the second Bluetones album, was released in 1998 to an eagerly awaiting audience. The success amongst both fans and critics of the band’s first album ‘Expecting to Fly’ (1996) ensured that interest was high for their second offering. It would have been easy for them to continue the tried and tested formula which brought them such success but instead they rather bravely decided to try a different approach. The result is a slightly heavier, much more individual sounding album which really shows the talents of the band to great effect. The Tracks --- Tone Blooze --- Very funky instrumental ...  Read the complete review

I must admit that I had never actually been a Bluetones fan until about a month back. I'd never heard any of their music, but was pleasantly surprised seeing them at Glastonbury and enjoying them so much, that I'm heading off to the Reading festival next month to see them again. Along with Reef and Semisonic, they made the festival what it was for me. I definately advise any to go see them live and I'm even buying their latest album as soon as possible. A fantastic band with a great future ahead! ...  Read the complete review

The Bluetones had a lot to live up to after their stunning debut album, Expecting To Fly. Unfortunately they didn’t really manage it. There are some good songs on Return to the Last Chance Saloon but a lot of the songs just sound like filler to me. The first two tracks, Tone Blooze and Unpainted Arizona, are really one track an are very good and fool you into thinking that you’re in for a treat. As does the next track, rousing single Solomon Bites The Worm, but after this the quality plummets. It begins picking up again with Sleazy Bed Track and is right back at top notch for If… with it’s pulsing bass line. After this though there’s a huge ...  Read the complete review