Strong on blues

Press, 24 September 1987, Page 12

Strong on blues

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND “Bad Influence” (Mercury, 830-245). Hot on the heels of "Strong Persuader” and the re-release of the 1980 Cray LP, “Whose Been Talkin',” comes another offering as record companies find they suddenly have a guitar star on their hands. “Bad Influence” falls between the blues of the 1980 Tomato Records album and the more laidback approach of “Strong Persuader,” but there are some neat songs here. “Phone Booth” fits nicely as a twin to the hit song “Strong Persuader,” only this time the man is out in the cold. Also powerful is the hard-hitting “The Grinder,” and the smooth, now typical Cray sound of “So Many Women, So Little Time,” “Bad Influence” is well worth the effort of seek-

ing out, especially if “Strong Persuader” found attention. ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK “La Bamba” (London, 828 058-1). Those into late 50s rock 'n' roll will find plenty to shake to here — with some help from Los Lobos, Bo Diddley, Brian Setzer (ex-Stray Cats), and Marshall Crenshaw. Los Lobos’s version of “La Bamba,” the b/w tune on “Donna,” the Ritchie Valens hit. The film appears to have the same nostalgia for a time, not necessarily the artist who went down with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, but as “American Graffiti” created. In spite of that, there are some gems here — “Framed” is a great R. and B. song as is “Who Do You Love,” performed by big bad Bo hisself! —NEVIN TOPP.