Against the Grain

"Against the Grain" Released October 1975 is the fifth studio album by Irish musician Rory Gallagher. It was his first album with his new record company Chrysalis. The album is mostly new songs written by Gallagher as well as some classic blues and R&B numbers. In contrast to previous studio albums by Gallagher it received very favorable reviews. The album name and cover were a play on words. The cover shows the wood "grain" of Gallagher's famous Stratocaster guitar which was well worn from his rigorous tour schedule. At the same time the phrase reflects Gallagher's relation with the music industry, that he always went "against the grain" and played the traditional blues and folk music he loved rather than focusing on singles and more commercially accessible music. The album was released at a period when Gallagher was finally achieving some recognition in the United States. Rolling Stone gave the album an excellent review comparing Gallagher favorably to guitar legends Eric Clapton and Alvin Lee. The same review spoke glowingly of Gallagher's band.