Album of the Day

A reaction to the prog and glam of the early 1970s, the back-to-basics sound of U.K. pub rock was rooted in the rock and roll and R&B of earlier decades, and few bands delivered it more powerfully than Dr. Feelgood. The Essex quartet had years of live performance under their belts when they entered the studio with producer Vic Maile to cut DOWN BY THE JETTY, and it shows in the dozen cuts that precede the “Bony Moronie”/“Tequila” concert recording that closes this debut. Guitarist Wilko Johnson penned several fine originals for this set, including “She Does It Right” and “Roxette,” and the bluesy shout of frontman Lee Brilleaux seals the deal. An inspiration to bands ranging from The Jam and Boomtown Rats to Blondie, DOWN BY THE JETTY turns 45 this month but its fire remains undimmed.