Alligator Records
Tommy Castro - Closer to the bone Tommy Castro
“A great artist...impassioned vocals and pure inventiveness in his stellar guitar solos…He makes playing rough feel easy.”
—Blues Music Magazine
“With a sterling reputation, guitarist and vocalist Tommy Castro is one of the foremost practitioners of electric blues. Searing delivery…rousing and teeming with emotion. [He is] a sheer, soaring tour-de-force.”
—Living Blues
“Castro plays gritty, string-bending blues like a runaway train...a glorious blend that rocks the soul and lifts the spirits.”
—No Depression
"Soaring vocals and swirling leads…showcasing Castro's testifying, confessional vocals [and] resonant emotional power as a singer.”
—AllMusic
On Friday, February 7, 2025, Alligator Records will release Closer To The Bone, the new album from award-winning, California-based blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro. Castro is the guitar slinging, soul-singing leader of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. With Closer To The Bone, Castro -- the four-time Blues Music Award-winner for the B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year -- delivers what he calls, "a record I've always wanted to make." Closer To The Bone is the most unvarnished, straight-ahead blues release of Castro’s career, one that bristles with every ounce of his dynamic energy and raw emotion.
On Closer To The Bone (Castro’s 8th Alligator release), Castro and his Painkillers – bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardist Mike Emerson and drummer Bowen Brown – mix new Castro originals (Ain’t Worth The Heartache, Can’t Catch A Break, Crazy Woman Blues) with songs originally performed by many of Castro’s friends and heroes. Artists and their songs include Johnny Nitro (One More Night, on which Castro plays his treasured 1966 black Fender Stratocaster, a guitar once owned by Nitro himself), Magic Slim (Hole In The Wall), Ron Thompson (Freight Train) and Mike Duke (Keep Your Dog Inside). Castro additionally chose obscure songs by Wynonie Harris (Bloodshot Eyes), Eddie Taylor (Stroll Out West), Jimmy Nolen (The Way You Do) and Johnny “Guitar” Watson (She Moves Me). According to Castro, “These are not the obvious artists people generally cover, and that was most definitely on purpose.”
Of the album's first single, Woke Up And Smelled The Coffee (a song written by Castro's Alligator label-mate Chris Cain), Castro says, "I always liked the song. Since it's been almost 40 years since he recorded it, I thought I would do my own version. People cover B.B. King and Buddy Guy, why not Chris Cain? He’s as relevant an artist as anyone who ever played the blues."
Track Listing
A1. Can't Catch A Break
A2. The Way You Do
A3. One More Night
A4. Crazy Woman Blues
A5. Woke Up And Smelled The Coffee
A6. Keep Your Dog Inside
A7. She Moves Me
B1. Ain't Worth The Heartache
B2. A Fool For You
B3. Freight Train (Let Me Ride)
B4. Everywhere I Go
B5. Bloodshot Eyes
B6. Stroll Out West
B7. Hole In The Wall
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Product information
Postage Policy
Phoenix Sound Introductory Offer Policy: 99p Postage (UK Only)
Effective Date: Live date
Expiration Date: Reviewed after 6 months
Eligibility
- Who is Eligible: This offer is open to all customers purchasing through the Phoenix Sounds’ Shopify website during the promotional period.
- Purchase Limit: Each customer is entitled to discounted postage on up to two (2) vinyl records.
- Usage Limit: One use per customer. Multiple orders from the same customer may not receive the discounted rate.
Terms and Conditions
1. Promotional Period
- (a) The 99p postage offer is valid from live date to review in 6 months.
- (b) Orders placed before or after this period will not be eligible for discounted postage.
2. Purchase Conditions
- (a) The offer applies only to vinyl records.
- (b) Maximum of two (2) vinyl records per customer at the discounted postage rate.
- (c) Additional items will incur standard shipping charges.
3. Shipping Details
- (a) The 99p postage rate applies to standard shipping within the United Kingdom (UK) only.
- (b) Shipping times may vary based on the delivery address within the UK.
- (c) This offer is not applicable to international deliveries or expedited shipping options.
4. Non-Transferability
- (a) This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or offers.
5. Returns and Exchanges
- (a) Standard return and exchange policies apply.
- (b) If items are returned that reduce the original purchase to fewer than two (2) vinyl records, Phoenix Sounds reserves the right to adjust the shipping charges accordingly.
6. Amendments and Termination
- (a) Phoenix Sounds reserves the right to amend, suspend, or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice.
- (b) Any changes will be posted on our website and will take effect immediately.
7. Limitation of Liability
- (a) Phoenix Sounds is not responsible for any technical issues, delays, or other problems that may prevent participation in this offer.
8. Governing Law
- (a) These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
9. Contact Information
- (a) For inquiries or assistance, please contact our customer service team at:
- (i) Email: Roger@phoenix-sounds.co.uk
- (ii) Phone: 01626 334942
- (iii) Address: 6 Pearl Assurance House, Queen Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2AQ
Returns Policy
At Phoenix Sounds, we aim to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their purchases. If, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase, you may return it under the terms outlined below.
1. Timeframe
We have a 14 day returns policy. You must inform us within 14 days then return the item or items within 14 days to get a full refund.
2. Condition of the item
The item being returned is generally expected to be in its original condition unless it is defective or damaged. This means that it should be unused, undamaged, and in its original packaging with all the included accessories and documentation.
3. Proof of purchase
We require proof of purchase, such as a receipt or order number, to process a return. This helps confirm that the item was purchased from their store and within the specified timeframe.
4. Refund method
Returns policies typically outline the available refund methods. You will receive a refund in the original form of payment within the 14 days deadline. Over 14 days and up to 30 days, store credit would be offered depending on the circumstances.
5. Return shipping
In all cases, the customer will be responsible for covering the cost of return shipping, especially for online purchases, unless deemed by the owner due to unforeseen circumstances.
6. Exceptions and restrictions
Returns policies often include information about certain items that may be non-returnable, such as final sale items, perishable goods, or personalized products. Additionally, there may be restrictions on returning opened software, CDs, DVDs, or downloadable content due to copyright concerns.
FAQs
Do you post abroad?
Yes! As well as delivering across the UK, we ship to Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia. If you're unsure whether we deliver to your location, please [contact us](link to contact page), and we’ll be happy to help.
How can I pay for my goods?
We accept several payment methods for your convenience:
- In-store: Cash, debit, and credit cards
- Online: Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and most major debit and credit cards.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
We aim to process and ship orders within 2-3 business days. Delivery times will depend on your location:
- UK Deliveries: Typically take 3-5 business days.
- International Deliveries: Times vary depending on the destination. For more details, please refer to our Delivery Policy.
What happens if my order arrives damaged?
If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving the item, and we’ll sort out a replacement or refund for you. For full details, please check our Returns Policy.
Can I return or exchange an item?
Yes! We offer a 14-day return policy for most items. If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase or want to exchange it, simply follow the steps outlined in our Returns Policy to start the process.
Do you offer click and collect?
Yes, we do! Place your order online and choose the Click and Collect option at checkout. We’ll notify you when your order is ready for pickup—usually within 24-48 hours.
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