Help Yourself - Blood Brothers
Mike Zito/Albert Castiglia
"Help Yourself" - Blood Brothers - Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia - Gulf Coast Records
Recorded at Shock City Studios , St. Louis , Missouri
Produced by - Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia
"The camaraderie comes through in every note played."I love this band!"" - Albert Castiglia
"Help Yourself" - the second exciting studio album from "Blood Brothers," the incredible supergroup formed by blues-rock heavyweights Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. Recorded live in the studio, this captures the electrifying energy of their live shows, the solid and powerful playing of everyone involved, with genuine friendship and camaraderie on full display, hitting listeners with the full impact of a freight train! It's all here - and plenty more: the powerful guitar riffs, the unstoppable raw energy, hearty helpings of rock, blues, soul, and gospel, all served up just right with an infectiously joyous and inescapable spirit.
Taking a short break from their dizzying and seemingly nonstop touring schedule, the Blood Brothers took over Shock City Studios in St. Louis to record an album live off the floor, bringing that sense of fun with them and creating sessions that invite listeners to hang right in the room with the band. Two highly revered guitarists/vocalists/ and a terrific team of seasoned musicians work so well together, filling every track with plenty of energy,groove,and raw power.
Among my favorites is the much softer and soul-stirring "Alive" , Mike Zito's powerful and deeply touching testament to love lost and found, a song that gifts plenty of love to his late wife and to an angel who rescued him from the brink of despair - " "Alive" is about my girl Jackie. After the terrible loss of my wife, Laura, I was sure that life was as good as over, especially when it came to love. But God had another plan and brought me this angel to make me feel alive."
Albert Castiglia's "Can't Be A Prophet" is another standout among the 10 outstanding gems on this album. The song is the perfect counterpart to Percy Mayfield's 1964 classic, "Stranger in My Own Hometown." Two different sides of the same coin perfectly complement one another. Albert's composition is a slyly sneering reflection about life on the road and the punch to the head—a rude awakening—upon returning home. 'It's based on our real experiences: being treated like royalty on tour, then coming home to little fanfare" (Albert Castiglia). Both Percy's timeless song and Albert's composition are deeply personal, resonating with audiences everywhere and reflecting on the feeling of being an outsider in one's own home.
Meanwhile.....
"Do What You Gotta" and "Running Out Of Time" are riveting blues rockers filled to the brim with fiery guitar riffs, irresistible hooks, fantastic solos, and much more. "The Best I Can" is a slow, sultry shot of heavy soul—a vintage vibe with a contemporary drive. "Low Down" is the only cover on the album; it was originally written and performed by J.J.Cale in 1996, the "Blood Brothers" deeply tapping into the explosive rock, blues and rhythm and blues of retro Rolling Stones.
"Help Yourself" is another extraordinary blues-rock experience that has so much: searing guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, irresistible hooks, plenty of soul, dashes of gospel, and blistering rocking blues. A mixed bag that shines with the perfect partnership, offering listeners a great time from start to finish. Taking listeners on a wonderful musical road trip, Albert Castiglia and Mike Zito, alongside their multi-talented band of brothers, deliver a terrific album that demands your attention. Play "Help Yourself" at full volume and damn the consequences. Absolutely Amazing!!
