Customer Reviews
Michael Burks is fantastic 
2008-07-26
I recently had the privilege to see Michael Burks in concert - it was one of the best shows I have EVER seen. His guitar playing is second to none. I've never heard anyone play better - his technique and tone is fabulous. He played a bunch of songs I had not heard yet - I was expecting most of the songs from "I Smell Smoke". The band was very tight and all were execellent musicians. His first set lasted two hours. I know I was witnessing a blues legend (in my book, he already is one). Now to Iron Man. This may be one of the best blues-rock CDs ever produced. After hearing the CD, I recognize the songs from the first set of his show. The CD sounds very much like their show quality - excellent on every tune. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates fantastic guitar playing and soulful vocals. I can't wait to see him again in another month or so. Get this CD - you won't be disappointed.
The Real Deal 2008-07-23
If you love The Blues, like I do, do yourself a favor and pick up this CD. Michael Burks has recorded an album that is the essence of contemporary electric Blues. It is raw, full of energy, and will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye at the same time. Although this is a studio album, it actually captures Mr. Burks's live performance spirit (I have seen him live and I know). Mr. Burks is like Freddie, Albert, and BB King with a dash of Stevie Ray & Otis Rush rolled into one fantastic dynamo. If you are into the Blues, this CD must be part of your collection. Simply dynamite.
Best electric blues on offer! 2008-07-11
If you are looking for a good electric blues CD do not go any further, this is the one! Michael Burks confirms with his new offer to be one of the major talent in the blues business today. He delivers a very strong vocals performance and an even better guitar playing in an album packed from wall to wall with excellence that surely deserve attention and consideration. An exquisite mix of the immortal Luther Allison with a hint of the great Freddie King is probably, as other reviewers have already said, the best way to describe Michael's style, however it has to be said that his music has its own personality and the sound is original and fresh. Backed by his regular touring band, accordingly with the linear note, the album has been recorded "live" in studio and I would say that you could feel it. Strongly suggested!
Michael Burks is the Da Bomb! 2008-07-05
I've seen Michael many, many times & will drive 3 to 5 hours (if I have to) just to experience one of his gigs. He's is by far the absolute BEST BLUES GUITARIST out there today! Plus, he sings REALLY WELL. I have all of his music (although I love each CD) this is his BEST CD because he recorded it with his band! Not only is he a killer guitarist (I love his Les Paul & Flying Vs), but he's a very humble person & all around nice guy. Including Michael, the band consists of Popcorn (drummer), Don (bass) & Wayne (organ). These four musicians together are TIGHT & VERY TALENTED!! The next time he's in your area, DON'T MISS HIM............ By the way---BUY THIS CD or pick it up at a gig, it's wonderful! Love you Michael!
Iron man great electric blues 2008-06-04
excellent album, I listen to it often and really enjoy this man's work. Have one of his earlier albums, which sounds more generic, so this one shows his finding a style to call his own.
Michael is the MAN!!! 2008-05-28
Produced by Burks and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer and fueled by Burks' hard-driving road band,
IRON MAN (featuring seven of twelve songs written or co-written by Burks) is an electrifying slice of emotional, rocked-out blues. His fiery fretwork, gruff, fervent vocals and overwhelming intensity are captured here live in the studio. The album features some of the hottest guitar playing and most soulful singing Burks has ever recorded. Burks wields his axe like a man possessed, breathing fire into every track, whether it's the charging rocker "Quiet Little Town," the chilling blues of "Icepick Through My Heart" or his sizzling take on Free's "Fire And Water."
IRON MAN is a potent dose of contemporary blues, almost crushing in its intensity.
Very Good 
2008-05-22
Although nothing he's done since matches the great solos on "Can't You Feel" from his first out-of-print album (fortunately I have it on tape because it's not worth what they're asking for it in used CD format), this album is Michael Burks's best yet.
RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "SOME POWERFUL ELECTRIC BLUES BY THE **"IRON-MAN"**!" 2008-05-07
If you're an electric blues fan this CD is for you! Michael Burks combines both an authoritative string bending guitar with a strong clear voice. There are times during some songs he sounds a little like Hendrix and other songs like a more physically powerful Robert Cray. All twelve songs are winners with a total playing time of sixty minutes. It always makes the blues more intimate for the listener when the performer writes some of his own material and Michael wrote seven of the twelve songs. If you're an old time blues fanatic this will fit in the Freddie King/Luther Allison category and if you're a more recent blues convert and like Coco Montoya, Tinsley Ellis, Robert Cray, etc. you will thoroughly enjoy this CD also. The recording quality is perfectly crisp and clear and I recommend this highly.
Little Rock Doc 2008-05-01
This is worth the five year wait since his last release. Definately his best effort yet that comes closest to the excitement watching him perform. His band is great and it was a good idea to use them on this CD. If you like rockin' blues this CD is for you. If you do not know Michael Burks, this is the CD to start with. That is not to say his other two relases are not good -- they are. He keeps the tradition alive of Arkansas giving rise to tremendous blues players. Way to go Michael.
To Hot to Handle 2008-05-01
I'm a big fan of Michael Burks. But without a doubt this is his best effort.I think he is keeping the blues alive.I think this cd will let people know the real Michael Burks.The man can play the blues.
