Night Train To Stockholm: A Blues Banger That Still Kicks Ass
Alright, buckle up, because Night Train To Stockholm by Speedo Jones ain’t your polished, overproduced blues album. Released back in 2003 on Integrity Records NY, this sucker hits like a freight train—raw, gritty, and full of soul. If you’re looking for something that screams authenticity with just enough edge to cut glass, this is the damn ticket.
Let’s break it down. First off, the lineup? Ridiculous. Brian Kramer on acoustic and slide guitar brings the heat while Pa Ulander lays down some basslines so smooth they could butter toast. And don’t even get me started on Speedo Jones himself—he belts out vocals like he’s lived every word and blows harmonica riffs sharp enough to slice through steel. Oh, and props to Mike Haglund on piano; dude knows how to make those keys cry without being all showy about it.
Now, let’s talk tracks. “Break Your Broom” sticks in my head like gum under a barstool. It’s got this dirty groove that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The slide guitar wails like a banshee on caffeine, and Speedo’s voice cracks just right when he sings about betrayal. You feel it—it’s not just music; it’s an experience. Then there’s “Boggie For James Cotton,” which feels like a late-night jam session gone gloriously wrong. Harmonica solos fly around like shrapnel, and Eric Hansson’s electric guitar licks are so greasy they should come with napkins. This one makes you wanna stomp your feet till the floor caves in.
But here’s the kicker: what the hell kind of title is Night Train To Stockholm? Like, who takes a night train to Sweden anyway? But weirdly, it works. Maybe it’s the sense of journey, or maybe it’s just Speedo throwing curveballs at us. Either way, it adds character to an already badass record.
So yeah, this album might not reinvent the wheel, but it sure as hell reminds you why the wheel was invented in the first place. Raw blues done right—with zero apologies. If you dig music that punches you in the gut instead of tickling your ears, grab this thing ASAP. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the noise.
And hey, fun fact: I once heard someone say blues is dead. Clearly, they never hopped aboard the Night Train.
