The Godfather by Silas Hogan Featuring Arthur ‘Guitar’ Kelley – A Louisiana Blues Feast You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re looking for an album that feels like a smoky juke joint on the bayou but was somehow cooked up in Austria (yep, Austria), The Godfather by Silas Hogan and Arthur “Guitar” Kelley is your ticket. Released under Wolf Records, this slab of Louisiana Blues brings all the grit, groove, and gut-punch lyrics you’d expect from the genre—but with just enough quirky charm to keep things fresh.
Let’s cut to the chase: there are 15 tracks here, which is either a feast or a test of endurance depending on how much blues you can handle in one sitting. Spoiler alert—it’s worth it.
Track Highlights That’ll Stick With Ya
First off, let’s talk about “Dark Clouds Rollin’.” This tune hits harder than a hangover after a night at the zydeco bar. Silas Hogan lays down some gravelly vocals that sound like he’s lived through every word he sings—and trust me, you believe him. The guitar work from Arthur Kelley? Pure magic. It’s not flashy—no shredding solos here—but it’s so damn soulful it might make you want to call your ex just to say sorry. Or maybe that’s just me. Anyway, the way the track builds tension without ever fully exploding? Chef’s kiss.
Then there’s “Rats And Roaches In My Kitchen.” I mean, come on—that title alone deserves applause. It’s raw, funny, and painfully relatable if you’ve ever lived paycheck to paycheck. Silas doesn’t sugarcoat anything; he tells it like it is. Paired with Kelley’s slinky guitar licks, this song has more personality than most people I know. Plus, who else could turn pest control woes into something you wanna hum along to?
Why This Album Works
What makes The Godfather stand out isn’t just its authenticity—it’s the chemistry between Silas and Arthur. They play off each other like old friends arguing over whose turn it is to buy beer. There’s no pretense here, just two guys doing what they love. Tracks like “Good Morning Heartache” and “Hoo-Doo Blues” remind you why blues music still matters—it speaks to life’s messiness without trying to fix it.
And sure, some songs feel a bit repetitive if we’re being honest (looking at you, “Poor Man”), but hey, that’s kinda the point of blues, right? Life itself gets repetitive sometimes, too.
Final Thoughts… Or Maybe Just Ramblings
Listening to The Godfather, I couldn’t help but think about how weirdly perfect it is that this Louisiana Blues masterpiece came out of Austria. Like, imagine these dudes recording in some Alpine studio while yodelers practice next door. If that image doesn’t sell you on giving this album a spin, nothing will.
So grab yourself a cold drink, crank up the volume, and let Silas and Arthur drag you straight into their swampy world. By the time “Kelley’s Boogie” kicks in, you’ll forget where—or even who—you are. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing.
Rating: 8/10. Because even great albums need a little room to grow… or maybe just fewer rats and roaches.
