Telling It Like It Is by KnockOut Greg & Blue Weather: A Raw Blues Ride from Sweden
If you're a fan of blues that feels like it’s been dragged through the dirt, spit-shined, and then served up with soul, Telling It Like It Is is your jam. Released in 2002 by Last Buzz Record Co., this Swedish gem packs more grit than you’d expect from a country better known for IKEA meatballs and ABBA. But trust me—this album doesn’t mess around.
Knock-Out Greg (vocals and harmonica) leads the charge here, backed by some seriously tight musicians who make every track feel alive. Tracks like “Tell It Like It Is” and “I’m So Ashamed” stick to your ribs long after the needle lifts off the record—or, ya know, when you hit pause on Spotify.
Let’s talk about “Tell It Like It Is,” the title track. Right outta the gate, it grabs you by the collar with its punchy rhythm and Knock-Out Greg’s gravelly voice. The lyrics are simple but hit hard—they’re all about truth-telling and owning up, stuff we could all use a reminder of now and then. What gets me though? That harmonica solo. Man, it wails like someone just stepped on its heart. You can practically hear Greg pouring his guts into it, and honestly? It makes you wanna do the same. Whether you’ve got something to confess or just need an anthem for those days when life feels heavy, this one delivers.
Then there’s “I’m So Ashamed.” This tune sneaks up on you. At first, it seems like another slow-burner, but once Mike Sanchez lays down his piano magic, things get real cinematic. The whole band locks in tight, creating this vibe that’s equal parts melancholy and defiant. It’s the kind of song that makes you sit alone in your car after arriving home because you’re not ready to let go yet. And don’t even get me started on Urban Hed’s electric upright bass—it groans like it knows what shame really feels like.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high without ever losing that raw edge. Tracks like “Hot Rolls” bring the swagger, while “The Night Is Young (And You’re So Fine)” reminds you why slow blues will always be sexy as hell. Oh, and props to Tobbe Eliasson’s tenor sax—it adds this smoky texture throughout the album that ties everything together perfectly.
What’s wild is how fresh this still sounds two decades later. Maybe it’s because they didn’t overthink it; they just played their asses off. Or maybe it’s because people lying, cheating, and messing up never goes out of style. Either way, Telling It Like It Is isn’t just a blues album—it’s a gut-check wrapped in killer riffs and unforgettable hooks.
Here’s the kicker: Listening to this record makes me wonder if these guys knew they were making music that would outlast trends. Back in 2002, I bet they were just trying to keep warm in chilly Sweden while laying down tracks. Now? Their work lives on, reminding us that honesty—even when it hurts—is timeless. And hey, maybe that’s why it sticks with you.
