Cactus Releases New Cover of 300 Pounds of Joy
The blues-rock band features King's X guitarist Ty Tabor on their latest single from the album Temple of Blues 2.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Blues
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The band Cactus has released a cover version of the 1963 Howlin' Wolf classic 300 Pounds of Joy. The new track features a guest appearance by King's X guitarist Ty Tabor and is part of the band's latest album, Temple of Blues 2.
Why it matters
The release serves as a centerpiece for the band's latest project, which was developed to showcase a focused blues sound. It marks a significant creative collaboration for the group as they continue their late-career revitalization.
The new album Temple of Blues 2, released via Cleopatra Records, consists of 11 tracks. It is now available for purchase across vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
The players
Cactus
This American blues-rock band was founded in 1969 and is known for its hard-driving style.
Ty Tabor
He is a prominent guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with the progressive rock band King's X.
Carmine Appice
He is a legendary drummer and the last remaining founding member of the band Cactus.
Howlin' Wolf
He was an influential Chicago blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player who defined the genre in the mid-20th century.
Cleopatra Records
This independent record label specializes in rock, metal, and electronic music.
The details
Carmine Appice, the last remaining founding member of the band, led the production of the new album. The project represents a continuation of the band's work following their 2006 reactivation.
Timeline
1963: Howlin' Wolf originally released the song 300 Pounds of Joy.
1969: Cactus was originally founded.
2006: The band reactivated after a hiatus.
2024: The band released the preceding album, Temple of Blues 1.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the precedent set by the 2024 release of Temple of Blues 1. It signals a sustained commitment by the band to record blues music as they continue to refine their sound following their 2006 reactivation.
Fans can access the new music immediately through digital platforms or by purchasing physical copies on CD and vinyl. The availability of multiple formats ensures that listeners can choose their preferred method of engagement with the new collection.
The takeaway
The band continues to bridge the gap between classic blues origins and modern production through their latest collaborations. Listeners can gain a deeper appreciation of the songs legacy by comparing this new version to the 1963 original.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving landscape of the genre at Blues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ultimate Classic Rock.
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Do you enjoy hearing modern artists cover classic blues songs compared to the original versions?
