Most of Foghat's appeal has always stemmed from its likable image as a blues-based hard-rock band from down the block–that, and the fact that these guys obviously respect their musical roots. But, as might be expected, Stone Blue hardly turns charm and veneration into significant, much less enjoyable, tock & roll. Though the group wisely covers Elmore James' "It Hurts Me Too" and Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago," Foghat's own material is no less dreary than ever. The problem is intensified by lead singer Lonesome Dave Peverett, whose voice has neither range nor feeling, and by the band itself, which sounds pretty sleepy next to such lovably boisterous newcomers as, say, George Thorogood and the Destroyers.

Admittedly, the LP has its strong points–the scat singing, trebly guitar lines and slide-guitar excursions–but there just hasn't been enough growth within the group itself for anything to matter. (RS 276)

MITCHELL SCHNEIDER