In The Mood For Something Rude

After two almost desperate but respectable attempts at early-'80s relevance, Foghat ditched the new wave accents they tried on during their first two releases of the decade, Tight Shoes and Girls to Chat & Boys to Bounce, choosing instead to give their trademark blues-rock treatment to a few favorite R&B covers on 1982's In the Mood for Something Rude. In the five recordings released after Foghat's 1977 double platinum live record, the band was now attempting to create a third identity for itself, and although Lonesome Dave Peverett (lead vocals/guitars,) Erick Cartwright (guitars/vocals), Nick Jameson (bass, keys, percussion), and Roger Earl (drums) proved themselves capable arena rockers, new wavers, and now R&B/blues revivalists, the multiple personality disorder cost the group many fans and might have made them appear desperate. Although the abovementioned condition is significant, it should not overshadow the quality and musicality demonstrated on In the Mood for Something Rude. While the list of listeners anxious to hear dinosaur-rock treatments of songs like James Brown's "And I Do Just What I Want" was perhaps rather short, those interested might enjoy the fluid, thick guitars and (relatively) soulful vocals on this track and other highlights like Rodney Crowell's "Ain't Livin' Long Like This." Produced by Jameson and band manager Tony Outeda, In the Mood for Something Rude, suffers a bit due to a somewhat muddled sound, but overall, the band's 12th record is a well-executed, high-spirited romp featuring some classic American songs. ~ Vincent Jeffries