The Arcangels - Living In A Dream (2009)

The legendary Arcangels released one stunning self-titled album produced by Little Steven in 1992 and then imploded due to drug abuse and fragile egos. Guitarists Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II joined by the Double Trouble rhythm section of Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon played a Hendrix inspired version of power blues rock with an AOR Texas twist and appeared poised for stardom. They never made it back to the studio but despite the problems the band never totally collapsed and the Arcangels continued to reform and perform occasional random gigs over the years and a 2005 hometown concert is documented on their live CD/DVD release "Living in a Dream". The Arcangels burn through most of the tracks from their only release and round out the set with "Shape I'm In" (not the Band tune) and an electric version of Muddy Water's "She's Alright". The DVD includes the "Live At Stubb's Concert", a short documentary and an "Antone's Tribute". A third bonus disc consisting of three studio tracks (two new Arcangel tracks and a McCartney cover) and a live version of "Spanish Moon" was added to sweeten the deal. Arcangel fans probably already know the story but for listeners who didn't catch the band the first time around the extensive liner notes by long time Sexton collaborator Tonio K connect the historical dots and ends with just a hint of maybe, just maybe, a second studio album. (hickorywind.org)