Blues for the Lost Days

Blues for the Lost boasts an intriguing concept, as it captures John Mayall reminiscing about all the friends, family, heroes, lovers and places he has loved and lost over the years. The album is startling in its unvarnished autobiographical approach, but the concept doesn't work nearly as well as it should. Most of Mayall's songs meander into mawkish nostalgia, and the laidback, cool blues never makes such sentiments compelling. Lead guitarist Buddy Whittington contributes a few good solos, but most of the record is sadly unengaging. — Thom Owens.