Linsey Alexander offers more of the same with his latest Delmark release, Two Cats, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same ol’, same ol’ thing. The Chicago bluesman has a knack for writing catchy songs that are usually witty, usually humorous, and always unique, and in that way, Two Cats is reminiscent of its predecessors. Also, as on the previous releases, Alexander surrounds himself with some of the Windy City’s most talented musicians – guitarists Anthony Palmer and Breezy Rodio, keyboardist Roosevelt “Mad Hatter” Purifoy, bassist E.G. McDaniel, drummers Bryant Parker and James Wilson, harmonica player Paul Hanover, and the legendary Chicago Horns.

Loaded to the brim with 15 quality tunes, all penned by Alexander, Two Cats has plenty to offer blues fans with outstanding tracks like the Stax-flavored opener, “I’m Not Your Problem,” the funky, feisty “Where Did You Take Your Clothes Off Last Night,” “That Ain’t Right,” an amusing horn-driven urban blues, and “Why I Sing The Blues,” the latter two of which owe a debt to B.B. King. The salacious title track is next, which features the Chicago Horns and guitarist Rodio, followed by the humorous slow blues, “Facebook Woman,” highlighted by some nimble work on the keys from Purifoy.

The funky “User” will probably remind old school R&B fans of Bill Withers in the lyric department, but the horns and guitar work definitely place it in the blues department. “I’m In Love With A Woman” is a hard luck love story with a twist, and “’Til I Kissed You” finds Alexander venturing into Hot Buttered Soul territory with its hypnotic groove and his smooth vocal delivery. This tune is revisited at the end of the disc, aptly titled “Kiss Revisited,” with Alexander being joined by rapper J. Parker.

“How Could You Do Me Like You Done Me” is a fine blues ballad that give Alexander’s guitar and harp blower Hanover ample space to shine. This tune, along with the aforementioned “Where Did You Take Your Clothes Off Last Night,” and the admonitory “Reefer And Blow” are newly recorded versions of tunes originally recorded by Alexander on one of his pre-Delmark albums (2006’s My Days Are So Long). The driving “Thinking About Me” has a blues-rock flair, while “Starting Monday” will have bring a smile to the faces of anyone who’s planned to do better after letting loose over the weekend. Alexander also briefly ventures into the political realm with “Comb Over Blues,” a “tribute” to the current Chief Executive.

Having turned 75 in July, Linsey Alexander shows no signs of slowing down with the engaging Two Cats. His powerful vocals and dynamic guitar work serve as a perfect complement to his unique, clever, often hilarious songwriting. That potent combination adds up to another winning release from Alexander and Delmark.

--- Graham Clarke