205. YOUNG BLOOD by Marcus King

Don't talk to South Carolina native and blues rock shredder Marcus King about sophomore slumps cuz he ain't got one. Though technically not his second record (he released three and an EP as The Marcus King Band), this 2022 album is his second outing as a solo artist. Growing up under the tutelage of fellow bluesman Marvin King (who also happens to be his dad), Marcus started playing guitar at an early age. He honed his chops the hard way - playing lots and lots of shows and trying to juggle his studies before finally deciding to drop out of high school to focus on his music career.

When you listen to this album you'll hear 60's and 70's rock influences all over the place - King is obviously paying tribute to the music he grew up listening to (even though he was born in the mid 90's). Where appropriate, I'll include the reference song and include it in the playlists so you can hear for yourself. Start out with 'Dark Cloud' - a killer riff and cowbell that immediately brings to mind Mountain's 'Mississippi Queen.' Love 'Lie Lie Lie' with it's shuffling drum beat. Move on to 'Blood On The Tracks' (and then listen to Creedence Clearwater Revival's version of 'Suzie Q'). And, speaking of CCR, see if you can hear 'Run Through The Jungle' running through 'Rescue Me.' End with 'Blues Worse Than I Ever Had' - a slow, soulful jam with King playing some killer slide guitar.