Gold Plated
Artist: Michael Bloomfield
Review by Charles "Dutch" Metzker
It’s Not Killing Me is the debut solo album by American blues guitarist Mike Bloomfield. It was released in 1969 through Columbia Records. Following his success with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Electric Flag, and in the Super Session recordings with Al Kooper, Bloomfield teamed up with former colleagues to record this largely self-written album. The album peaked at No. 127 on the Billboard 200.
AllMusic criticized its “lack of a powerful vocalist” and the under-use of Bloomfield’s guitar, going so far as to say “it makes about as much sense as Led Zeppelin having Jimmy Page sing lead while Robert Plant played tambourine!”
Side 1
Track 1 – If You See My Baby – A sad lament begging her to please come home. 3:05
Track 2 – For Anyone You Meet – A bit of country twang but I caught you messing around hence the title. 4:03
Track 3 – Good Old Guy – He was small and hungry but busking made it alright. 3:22
Track 4 – Far Too Many Nights – Nice and slow tune — I’m not getting any rest because of you. 5:09
Track 5 – It’s Not Killing Me – Another song about love lost, with great steel guitar. 3:01
Side 2
Track 1 – Next Time You See Me – Things won’t be the same since I’ve moved on (too bad you cheated). 2:58
Track 2 – Michael’s Lament – Nice piano work — nobody came even though I waited. 4:21
Track 3 – Why Must My Baby – Be the only one I love — I guess because you’re staying faithful? 2:37
Track 4 – The Ones I Loved Are Gone – Saying goodbye to family and friends and the big wheel keeps turning. 3:05
Track 5 – Don’t Think About It Baby – Great horn work. I’ve got nothing to say, so move on ok? 3:19
Track 6 – Goofers – Very nice instrumental outro. 1:48
I give this one 9 out of 10. I might have grabbed this album because of the funky cover but it works for me.
