Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, comprising drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon, encountered the familiar challenge of crafting a second album upon concluding their extensive international tour in 1983. The band had found immense success with their debut album, which featured highlights from their electrifying live performances. However, the need for fresh material presented a formidable task.
The band embarked on a three-week pre-production process in an Austin studio to write and record demos. The resulting outtakes, which were later released, showcased their exceptional musicianship and the urgent need for new compositions. Recognizing the lack of original material, they drew inspiration from legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Lonnie Mack, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, and Hound Dog Taylor.
A pivotal moment occurred when Stevie Ray Vaughan received a cassette from Mike Kindred, a former bandmate from the Triple Threat Revue, featuring the song “Couldn’t Stand the Weather.” The composition, written and sung by Kindred, deeply resonated with Vaughan, and the band incorporated it into their repertoire. Other notable tracks crafted during the sessions included “Scuttle Buttin’,” “Tin Pan Alley,” and the instrumental tour de force “Stang’s Swang,” while Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie’s brother, contributed rhythm guitar to “Voodoo Chile” and a cover of Guitar Slim’s “Things I Used to Do.”
The recording process was not without its hurdles. Layton recalls the band’s excessive partying at the time, leading to discreet drug use behind the Steinway piano or sound baffles. The band’s producer, John Hammond, however, remained aware of their escapades.
Despite the challenges, the band members brought their exceptional talents to the studio. Vaughan’s mastery of his Number One Stratocaster is evident throughout the album, as he effortlessly shifted between delicate fingerpicking and blistering solos. The band’s live energy was captured in the basic tracks, recorded in the main room with Vaughan positioned next to Layton’s drums. His amps were isolated in a booth, often with an open sliding glass door, allowing him to perform without the constraints of headphones.
“Couldn’t Stand the Weather” was released on May 15, 1984, and quickly gained widespread acclaim, amassing sales of 250,000 copies within the first three weeks. The album cemented Stevie Ray Vaughan’s status as a guitar virtuoso and demonstrated the band’s enduring prowess. It remains a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of musical excellence.
