Al Anderson – Al Anderson (1972) (24/44 Vinyl Rip)

Review from RateYourMusic:
As one of those folks who believe NRBQ is America's best unknown band, I have a special place in my heart for singer/guitarist Al Anderson.  
Over the years Anderson's recorded a handful of solo albums; his debut coming with 1972's cleverly-titled "Al Anderson".  Released by Vanguard Records, the album was actually recorded as a contractual obligation package – Anderson having been left to make good on The Wildweed's contract which required a second LP.  Produced by Maynard Soloman, the collection featured nine Anderson originals and a Hank Williams cover ('Honky Tonkin'').  Perhaps not a big surprise, but with backing from a healthy part of the NRBQ line up – horn player Donn Adams, keyboardist Terry Adams, and drummer Tom Staley – the album bore more than a passing resemblance to NRBQ's recording catalog.  (For trivia buffs Al Lepak, Jeff Potter and Stanley had also played with Anderson in The Wildweeds.)  Anyone familiar with Anderson's NRBQ contributions was liable to find the eclectic mix of humor, pop, rock and soul influences familiar territory.  Anderson's always struck me as being NRBQ's best singer and he sounded in fine voice throughout these sessions.  Highlights included the blazing rocker 'Ain't No Woman Finer' (check out Anderson's meltdown guitar solo), the reflective soul ballad 'You're Just Laughing Inside' (Dobie Gray or Bill Withers could have enjoyed a massive hit with the track) and the should've-been-a-hit, slide-propelled 'I Haven't Got the Strength To Carry On'.  Not to imply the set was perfect - recalling his work with The Wildweeds, tracks like 'I Don't Believe I'll Stay Here Anymore' and 'Honky Tonkin'' featured a distinctive country influence which simply didn't do much for me.  Still, a solo debut that's worth lookin' for. Any NRBQ fan should have it in their collection. (For you techno-geeks, this was one of the first LPs to be released in quadrophonic sound.)

Tracks
01. Be my woman tonight 02:41
02. We'll make love 03:18
03. Ain't no woman finer lookin' 03:17
04. You're just laughin' inside 04:39
05. I don't believe I'll stay here anymore 03:07
06. Honky tonkin' 01:50
07. Goin' on back to Indiana 02:52
08. Don't hold the line 02:56
09. I just want to have you back again 02:26
10. I haven't got the strength to carry on 03:44
Total Time: 30:46

Musicians
Al Anderson: vocals, guitar, electric piano
Tom Staley: drums, percussion
Al Lepak: bass
Jeff Potter: harp
Terry Adams: piano
Donn Adams: trombone
Produced by Maynard Solomon