# Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets – Sins
Anson Funderburgh emerged as a significant figure in the contemporary blues scene during the 1980s, establishing himself as both a skilled guitarist and bandleader with his group The Rockets. By the time Sins was released on Demon Records in 1987, Funderburgh had already built a reputation for delivering authentic, energetic blues that honored traditional styles while maintaining contemporary appeal. This album represents a key moment in his career, showcasing his ability to lead a tight ensemble through a diverse set of blues compositions.
Sins arrived during a period when electric blues was experiencing renewed interest among both established and emerging audiences. The album captures Funderburgh and The Rockets at a point where they had refined their sound into a cohesive and compelling unit. Released on vinyl by Demon Records, the album presents twelve tracks that span approximately forty-three minutes, offering a comprehensive showcase of the band's blues credentials and musical range.
The album opens with A Man Needs His Loving, a robust blues that immediately establishes the record's energetic tone. The shorter tracks like I'll Be True and My Kind Of Baby demonstrate the band's ability to craft punchy, memorable blues numbers without sacrificing authenticity. Don't Want No Leftovers and Walked All Night further exemplify this approach, delivering traditional blues themes with contemporary energy.
The B-side provides additional depth, with Can't Stop Loving and Chill Out maintaining the album's blues momentum. The extended tracks prove particularly effective, with Changing Neighborhoods on the A-side and My Heart on the B-side allowing space for instrumental development and emotional expression. Sleeping In The Ground stands out as a slower, introspective piece that provides essential balance to the more uptempo material, while Hard Hearted Woman closes the album with a classic blues scenario delivered with characteristic verve.
Throughout Sins, Funderburgh's guitar work anchors the proceedings, complemented by The Rockets' tight rhythm section and supportive musicianship. The production maintains clarity across all frequencies, ensuring that each instrumental contribution remains audible and distinct. This vinyl pressing captures the warmth and immediacy essential to blues music, making it a valuable addition to any serious blues collector's shelf. The album solidifies Funderburgh's position as a dedicated purveyor of contemporary electric blues during the 1980s.
