Search - Rory Gallagher :: Tattoo

BLOODY MARVELOUS

.Richard | england | 11/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"rory gallagher the blues/rock musician who vasely under-rated for his guitar playing and vocal ablity's this album has me tapping my foot all the way through and i don't do that on many albums but this album is superb i say that about quite a few album i only do it when there something special and this album is special

on this album you've got blues/hard rock/jazz. a mixture to keep your juices going

20-20 vision is a bloody fantastic song that's catchy as a cold

and the bonus tracks are as you say blues-tastic"

They don't make them like this anymore

Pamela Middings | 06/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Out of a really strong catalogue of great Rory albums, I think I'd pick this one as my favorite. And that's coming from someone who adores all his albums up through "Photo Finish" (out of his subsequent albums, I only have "Top Priority" and "Jinx," and although they are really good, I prefer Rory's work before then). Every song stands out on Tattoo, is excellent. "Livin' Like a Trucker" may be my all-time favorite Rory rocker. "Clothesline"'s rhythm ran as an endless loop inside my head as I ran a recent half-marathon; Rory definitely made "great music to run to.""

Great blues/rock from a real hero

Scott Hedegard | Fayetteville, AR USA | 05/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rory Gallagher was a hard living and hard working musician, and unfortunately in the tradition of his native Ireland, a hard drinker who died after an unsuccessful liver transplant a few years back. His recorded output was impressive, such was his talent and love of music. Therefore, it's a bit hard to pick just where to start.

Since the U.S. didn't pick up on Gallagher as did Europe, he never made the radio, and no one album can be deemed a classic, in terms of sales, anyway. However, "Tattoo" is one of his most beloved albums, and has stayed available for decades, and for good reason.

Gallagher preferred a gutsy Strat straight out of the box sound without tons of effects. As was his penchant for wearing flannel shirts onstage, way before grunge, he played a workingman's blues - tight and consise - much more emotional and better connected to the blues he loved than anything Eric Clapton has ever done in his entire career.

Plus, he knew how to rock and played some wicked slide guitar. "Tattoo" is a very strong album, with scorchers like "Cradle Rock", a bouncy "They Don't Make Them Like You Any More", and the hard driving "Living Like a Trucker" among the highlights.

For his fans, and they are ferociously dedicated, no one played with more sincerity and no one connected quite like Rory Gallagher. It's time lovers of classic rock guitar not familiar with this legend got caught up."