Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20942 in Music
• Brand: Warner Bros.
• Released on: 2008-09-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .12 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
The most unlikely of stars, sixty-something Seasick Steve Wold might have started out with nothin', but these days he can headline the Royal Albert Hall. The second solo album from the much travelled bluesman (and, let's not forget, studio owner--he didn't suddenly step off a boxcar with a demo tape in hand--refines the sound that made 2006's Dog House Music so instantly appealing. Guests include Ruby Turner, KT Tunstall (playing rather than singing) and Nick Cave and Grinderman--Cave and Steve duet on their collaboration "Just Like a King". The title track, "Started out With Nothin'", is as catchy as it is wise, "One True" laments Steve's late dog ("my one true friend", of course) and the catchy full-band "Happy Man", featuring Turner and Tunstall is as near as Seasick gets to offering a single. Without the visual impact of seeing an elderly man tell travel stories in between torturing a three string guitar while kicking a wooden box, I Started out With Nothin' and I Still Got Most of It Left can only offer a simulacrum of his live show, but his crude appeal remains obvious even as his sound gets smoother. --Steve Jelbert

Review
Californian blues man Seasick Steve has become notorious for his rebel outlaw spirit and signature dungarees with a bottle of Jack Daniels in the back pocket. The last twelve months really have been his year, with the unlikely star being nominated for 'Best Live Act' at 2008's Mojo awards and winning 'Best Breakthrough Act' in 2007. Now back with his follow up to last year's Dog House Blues, the man formerly known as Steve Wold invites us to nestle down on the porch, kick back and listen to his worldly tales once more.

Banging out the blues on his customised guitars is what Steve does best and you'd be hard pushed to find another bona fide ex-train rider who does it better. Steve has managed to translate his fiery live shows from the stage to the studio with his languid, treacly voice introducing most songs and even delving into a monologue on the bare explanation of why he can never stay still: My Youth. And on the title track Steve's intro to a track about nothing never sounded so good.

Having made his TV debut on Later With Jools, Steve has called on Hollands' favourite soul singing diva, Ruby Turner, to join him on the gospel infused Happy Man, while KT Tunstall backs up the legend on rhythm guitar. Pleading for a woman's touch he sings, ''Oh this life has knocked me down to my knees, and I think it's time I get a little bit of that promised land!I ain't asking for much, just your sweet touch and for a little, little while I'll be happy and such''. Steve is also keen to prove he's no chancer with the ladies on Fly By Night and the collaborations keep coming with Nick Cave getting writing credits on the low key and perfect Just Like A King, featuring Grinderman.

Whether singing homegrown tales of women, riding trains (On Prospect Lane), faithful dogs (One True), drinking wine (Thunderbird), or a 'how to' guide for getting rid of bugs on a guitar he says he should have thrown out (Chiggers), Steve's sincerity to the blues tradition he was taught by K.C. Douglas makes this a compelling down and dirty listen whose momentum takes you straight back on the trains with him - even though he probably has a bit more than nothing by now. --Sonja D'Cruze

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Album Description
In the spring of 2008 Seasick Steve recorded a new album in a studio at Wymondham in Norfolk. As well as Steve and his drummer Dan Magnusson from the Level Devils, "Started Out With Nothing And Still Got Most Of It Left" features guest performances by Nick Cave and his Grinderman group. Steve, who detests what he calls "the blues police" and considers anyaccolade from the purist community "the kiss of death," is delighted to welcome all young visitors aboard. "The kids who come to my shows don't know nothin' about Charley Patton or Son House, " he observes, with some satisfaction. "They just know it rocks."