Review: 'The Best Of Rory Gallagher'

Rory Gallagher

By Chris Wheatley

Among the long list of musicians lost in their prime, the name of Irish guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Rory Gallagher must surely be near the top. Gallagher died in 1995, aged 47. He left behind as strong a body of work and is considered a ‘musician’s musician.’ His immediately recognizable, highly rhythmic playing style influenced a host of stellar guitarists. Hendrix, Clapton, Joe Satriani and Joe Bonamassa all acknowledge a debt and Queen’s Brian May perhaps more than any other.

The forthcoming best-of retrospective, The Best Of Rory Gallagher, released October 9, 2020 via UMC, is a welcome addition to his discography. The thirty-track, two-disc set covers a lot of ground, from Gallagher’s 1969 self-titled release with the band Taste, up to the late-80s album Fresh Evidence. Of particular note is the inclusion of a previously unreleased cover of The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” featuring no less than rock ‘n roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis.

“What’s Going On,” from Taste’s 1970 release On The Boards opens the virtual show. Those familiar with Gallagher’s mercurial guitar runs will be very happy to see the inclusion of this classic. Never mind Brian May, the whole Queen band must have been inspired by this rollocking tune, which compartmentalizes its sections like a mini opera packed into three minutes. “Shadow Play” from Gallagher’s 1978 solo album Photo Finish comes next. Gallagher’s ability to make the most monstrously heavy riffs and lines feel as they are floating among the clouds remains as astonishing as ever. To listen to this track is to hear echoes of practically every wonderfully enjoyable rock song you’ve experienced. If there’s one niggle concerning this set, it’s that the tracks do jump around in time a bit, chronologically-speaking.

Late-period Gallagher is served well by the inclusion of “Loanshark Blues” and “Seven Days” from 1988’s Defender and “Ghost Blues” from Fresh Evidence. It’s much to Gallagher’s credit that these later tracks stand up just as well as those from his ‘classic’ period. Possibly the closest to a stripped-down blues as we get here, “Loanshark Blues” fizzes and hisses over a simple, cutting riff. Gallagher’s playing could propel a band like no other and this is a great example. His guitar cuts like a ninja’s blade, faster than the metaphorical eye can see. “Seven Days” is charming, jangling folk-country-blues. It’s a pleasure to hear the opening bars of solo guitar over bare-bones percussion, before the song slowly winds into a rambling old-time ballad, with ringing steel-guitar. “Ghost Blues” is the most intriguing of the three; a grand piece, orchestral at its beginning, which segues into a steam-train of a blues work-out, taken at furious speed.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is almost worth the price alone. Unearthed from the Rory Gallagher archives, this bonus track is a rare outtake from Jerry Lee Lewis’ famous 1973 ‘London Sessions’ and previously unreleased. Gallagher brings a muscular, old-school R&B vibe to the track and features him singing and playing alongside Jerry Lee Lewis. The irrepressible charm of his vocals and guitar set this above the Stones’ version, to these ears. Hearing Jerry Lee Lewis play electric piano is a treat. Sam Phillips described Lewis as the most naturally talented musician he ever worked with (this from the man who discovered Elvis Presley!). It’s a beautiful piece of music history which can’t help but bring a smile to your face.

This great selection of tracks from across three decades, over two discs, with the addition of the above-mentioned cut, make for a highly appealing release, and well worth adding to any music collection.

Watch the Trailer