Wet Willie (no sniggering at the back now!) formed back in 1969 and played a mix of blues, gospel and soul, although their album ‘Which One’s Willie?’ was a much more AOR affair.

Both albums on here (their fourth and fifth including live albums) remind you of the Allman Brothers, America and the Doobie Brothers with the laidback guitar soloing and soulful backing vocals.

Some good tunes on here like the sparse ‘Alabama’ and ‘Dixie Rock’, which is a rock as the band gets with the guitar to the fore. But some tracks leave me cold like the jazz/soul of ‘Soul Jones’, although the gospel flavoured ‘Trust In The Lord’ puts a smile on your face and gets the toes tapping.

Never as big as the Allmans or the Doobie Brothers nevertheless Wet Willie are worthy of a listen particularly by those who enjoy the aforementioned bands. Neat and informative sleeve notes add to all round good package.

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly