Best yet from Dave Alvin
Jerry Mac | Dingman's Ferry PA. | 05/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This may be the most well produced CD in recent years. Taken from the television show "Austin City Limits", it may be Dave Alvin's best effort to date. If you enjoyed "Public Domain", "King of California" and "West of the West" you will love this. With a combination of great rock and roll and contemporary folk, this CD hits the mark and more. In a time when many musicians just "crank it up" and play full tilt all night, the dynamics in "Barn Burnin'", "Mary Brown" and "Blackjack David" are an aural pleasure to behold. When Dave breaks into the chorus from the Sam Cooke classic "Cupid" at the end of "Border Radio", you'll get goose bumps. His rock and roll version of the Woody Guthrie classic "Do-Re-Me" is unsurpassed by anything released in the last 20 years.
Simply put, Dave writes beautiful songs about love and loneliness. His ability to lament the life that could have been along with his ability to celebrate the life that is, is inspirational at least, and quite possibly awe inspiring.
The musicians assembled for this recording are outstanding. In particular drummer Bobby Lloyd Hicks (arguably the best rock and roll drummer alive today) shows once again how less can be more. Another drummer may have overplayed these songs, but Lloyd is at his finest on this CD. Together with bassist Gregory Boaz, they form one of the tightest rhythm sections ever recorded.
If I could give this CD 10 stars I'd still try to give it 11.
"
An off night for Dave and the boys
G. Thorn | Raleigh, NC | 03/01/2008
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Having seen Dave and the Guilty Men a dozen times or so in recent years, I feel qualified to say that this CD does not document one of their better performances. I don't know if appearing on ACL for the first time made Dave and the boys nervous, but a listless, tentative air pervades almost the entire set. Rick Shea's overbearing lap steel drowns out the other instruments; the usually reliable Bobby Lloyd Hicks' drumming is downright sloppy in spots; and Dave has some glaring vocal misfires during his ill-conceived "Cupid" interlude in "Border Radio." This album also contains the most lackluster version of "Fourth of July" I've ever heard. The band only really comes to life on "Marie Marie"--unfortunately, the CD's final song. Save your sixteen bucks and see the Dave and crew when they come to your town instead."
Just not enough
Mr. Burruss S. Williams | 08/07/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan for a long long time, since the Blasters days. I was looking forward to the CD and DVD, I saw it reviewed in Vintage Guitar Mag. As it was recorded on Austin City Limits the recording tries to please people that are interested in more of a roots rock type set, like rockabilly. When playing the rock songs there is that honky-tonk piano sound, clanking on the high register. I can take a bit of this but to hear it over and over is a pain. I think Alvin is a great ballad songwriter and when presented acoustically it is great. Consequently there was not enough of these types of songs presented. I would suggest getting the CD for your collection but depending what body of Alvin's work you enjoy you may be less that pleased."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1