Cate Brothers - Radioland (1995)

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Some more Cate Brothers for ya (it's been a while). 'Radioland' was released in 1995 and sounds like it too. Cate Brothers were always leaning towards a cleaner, more soulful side of Southern Rock. But in the 90's Blues all of a sudden became a hip thing again. Slick Blues that is. You know, everybody seems to do it at that time. People like Gary Moore and Les Dudek. The kind of Blues that seemed inspired by the likes of Robert Cray. So is it any good? Hell yes, it is. Cate Brothers always had a very tight band, and that hasn't changed. The skillful and tasteful playing combined with the wonderful voice of Ernie Cate, well you just can't go wrong there. To be honest, I miss the Funk and sound of the Asylum albums, but there's not a Cate Brothers album that I don't enjoy. This you can perfectly play late night, wooing your baby. Recovered Soul..

Cate Brothers - Play By The Rules (2004)

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"Play By The Rules" was the last Cate Brothers studio album. Still playing their sweet blend of Funky Soul and Southern Rock, and every bit as good as the rest of their marvelous repertoire. This features a remake of the song "Yield Not To Temptation", which they previously recorded for my favorite album of theirs, "Cate Bros. Band" from 1977. And a hot version of The Band's song "The Shape I'm In", a band which they accompanied during live shows in the 80's. Alas, this jewel is no longer obtainable. But I hope there's a daring record label out there (Wounded Bird, you listening?!) brave enough to have a go at making this once again available for all you music lovers. Out on a limb!

The Cates Gang - Wanted (1970)

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Some splendid news about The Cate Brothers: the 70's albums have had their CD release for the first time. Apparently Wounded Bird Records were listening after all ;-).. So, go on! Buy that stuff!
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And here we have the first album by The Cates Gang, "Wanted" from 1970. At last! I got this from Urk, and I'm well pleased. Thanks man!
I'm loving every minute of this record. Like its follow up, "Come Back Home", this has more to do with Southern Soul than Southern Rock. But it's still the jackpot to me. I guess these must be the oldest recordings of the Cate Bros./The Cate Brothers Band, even predating most of the "Arkansas Soul Siblings"/"Born To Wander" songs. Blue Eyed Soul anyone?

Cate Brothers Band - Live (1998)

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I had in mind to post the Cate Brothers CD "Arkansas Soul Siblings", only to find that it was re-released under a new title, "Born To Wander". I just ordered it, and it's a very good remaster. The recordings on those albums are pre-dating their Asylum releases. The music has some more Rhythm & Blues influences than their later work, but already you hear their distinctive sound. I still wonder how these recordings relate to The Cates Gang output, chronologically. They must've been recorded around the same time, I think. Very much recommended.
Nearly 30 years later they released "Live", and it just goes to show that sometimes the finest musicians will continue to release the finest music. Lots of classics played wonderfully on this live set. "Time Is A Thief", "In One Eye And Out The Other", "Union Man" and a very nice version of Tony Joe White's "Steamy Windows". You may know the songs already, but this is quite a nice addition to the Cate Brothers collection. I would love to see all their albums re-released (Wounded Bird, are you listening?). For now, let's get funky...

Cate Brothers Band - Struck A Vein (1997)

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Or The Cate Brothers Band or Cate Bros or Cate Brothers: it's Earl and Ernie Cate. Hallelujah! And this time it's my brother Mawos to the rescue, unearthing this out-of-print CD. Yes. Sure, it's more of the same, but I just love the sound of these brothers. And because their 70's albums never got released on CD, it's lovely to hear any re-recording of some of their old classics. Biggest hit this time around is "Stranger At My Door". A very funny story about a guy getting accused of messing with another man's lady, who mentions at the end it must've been his brother, who looks a lot like him. Yeah right!
It's lightweight, funky stuff here. But if you know and love the Cate Brothers, you won't be disappointed. I'm sure glad I finally get to enjoy this. Unfortunately there's a skip at the beginning of the last song. It's unobtrusive, though. Mawos found it through a friend on a Russian forum, so we can't ask for a re-rip. But if I find a better replacement, I will update this post. The label on which it was released: Big Burger.

The Cates Gang - Come Back Home (1973)

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I'm gonna keep it short and sweet this time. The Cates Gang were Earl and Ernie Cate before Cate Bros./The Cate Brothers Band. You know how much Funk and Soul these guys put in their music. But this 1973 album reminds me even more of vintage soul. I'm real happy with this find. It sounds old, but beautiful. With eleven tunes clocking in under half an hour (how's that for short?), it's still quite a treat.