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LA Weekly (Review)
LA Weekly, April 14-20 2000
By Libby Molyneaux
Transcribed by Becky Barksdale . Com
34 Cover Image
The name Becky Barksdale might sound more like a perky gal who'd bring a bundt cake to a bake sale rather than a blazing blues belter who demands "Satis-fy me, and don't be shy" on the opening song of her Real Live album. Complete with crowd noises, Real Live is a fine collection of (mostly) blues originals, including a pretty grueling version of Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love to You," straight-ahead, peppy electric blues on "Going Back to Texas" and again with the Bessie Smith-like demands of the grinding "Close to You, " And there's the absolutely thrilling rocker "Nuthin' Like You (A Tribute to Jimi)," which, as far as I'm concerned, she could play over and over all night. Like Janis Joplin, from her same hometown, Port Arthur, Texas, Barksdale sings with gusto, as well as lusto - as if no one is getting off more than she is. And like Janis, you just have to see Becky live for the full effect.