Blue Day for the Blues (1995)

About this title: A quickie compilation issued a few months after Rory Gallagher's untimely death in June of 1995, this generous collection assembles 16 tracks that show the deeper blues -- as opposed to harder blues-rocking -- side of the Irish guitarist. At the time it was issued, IRS only had rights to seven of Gallagher's albums, so there is a large bulk of material that might have fit the concept that could not be included. Additionally, this was released before Gallagher's catalog was overhauled in 1999 for CD, so the sound quality here is not as full and pristine as later versions of the same tunes. Out ... read more

Tracks:

1. I Ain't No Saint [Gallagher]
2. The Loop [Gallagher]
3. Calling Card [Gallagher]
4. As the Crow Flies [Live] [White]
5. Off the Handle [Gallagher]
6. Bullfrog Blues [Live] [Gallagher/Tradition]
7. (Back on My) Stomping Ground [Live] [Gallagher]
8. Empire State Express [House]
9. Continental Op (To: Daniel Hammet) [Gallagher]
10. Shin Kicker [Live] [Gallagher]
11. Public Enemy No. 1 [Gallagher]
12. Pistol Slapper Blues [Live] [Fuller]
13. Don't Start Me Talkin' [Williamson]
14. Nothing But the Devil [Lightnin' Slim]
15. Alexis [Gallagher]
16. Barley and Grape Rag [Gallagher]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.