Absolutely Perfect
Joe Wood | New York | 10/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Deke Dickerson is an interesting man. Some people love him, while others aren't quite sure-and I for one have left my opinion on the fence for years.
The Melody (Major Label Records) is Deke's sixth solo disc and will probably polarize his rockabilly fans again-some will get it, while others won't. Deke calls his newest release a concept album, "carefully engineered to bring you songs with melodies and hooks that you won't soon forget." Like him or not, Deke's nailed it!
The Melody is a refreshing and invigorating trip through rockabilly, 50s rock 'n' roll and country. Featuring nine originals out of the 15 included tracks, Deke opens with "Broken Heart", a 1958 rock-and-bop classic by the original Moonlighters (not to be confused with the modern New York City lounge band of the same name).
Following next is "Good Time Gal", an original country song which perfectly describes the gal that we all know at our local watering hole who is past her expiration date but still comes out to party-you know who I mean, there's one in every town. "Good Time Gal" features D.B. Berzansky's steel guitar, which ties the melodic components of this ditty together beautifully.
Another stand out is yet another country original, "Looks Like I'm In Trouble Again". If Nashville had a true appreciation for great music, this song would surge to the top of the Country charts. "As Long As I Live", a Dorsey Burnette cover, still retains it's country roots while it is given a little boogie help by Carl Sonny Leyland on piano.
Oh, we can't stop there, The Melody contains more great potential hits. "Safely in Love Again", made popular by Faron Young in the early 60s, is a beautiful song about discovering true love in a new relationship after exiting a previously loveless relationship-showing that there is always something great around the corner when all seems lost. Deke's version is peppier and better arranged as well. "Mister Cheater", yet another great Deke-penned song, is a wake up call about infidelities and how to damage your loving relationship. It's a serious topic complemented by the playful piano licks of Leyland.
Drummer Chris Sprague wrote the Buddy Holly-esque, sock-hop inspired "Give Me All Your Love", which (if this were 1957) would be all over the airwaves from coast to coast. "Tell Me How", an actual Buddy Holly song follows. Deke's rendition is so close to the original that if it weren't so clear, you would'nt be able to tell the difference.
Al Urban, a largely forgotten Texas Rockabilly artist, wrote "Lookin' For Money" back in 1957. Deke seemingly has an appreciation this song considering that he has also released it on the new Dave & Deke Combo CD, There's Nothing Like an Old Hillbilly. Once again Leyland tickles the ivories, adding a light color of fun to the song, while Chicago's Jimmy Sutton shines through on bass behind Deke's adept guitar work.
Lastly, the coup-de-grace of The Melody is Deke's cover of Willie Nelson's "I Never Cared For You", which dates back to 1966. After digging up Willie's original it is easy to say that Deke and the boys have improved the song tenfold by adding a more firm Western/Rockabilly rhythm-driven by Sprague's deft drum work and Sutton's bass,-all smoothed over by Deke's guitar and the well-placed backing vocal harmonies. All together "I Never Cared For You" is potentially the best song I've ever heard recorded. Only an actual Nelson/Dickerson album project could possibly out do it (Hey Deke, hint, hint!).
Musically The Melody is completely infectious. You will find yourself playing the songs over and over again just on their own. The hooks and bridges of the music are practically perfect. Lyrically, Deke has chosen smart and intelligent covers, and has penned some wonderful verses himself. He's also sequenced the tracks so each song fits well with the preceding and following number, making The Melody a record that can carry itself. In essence, this CD is absolutely perfect.
"
Good upon repeat
Ryan Jackson | Los Angeles,CA | 11/07/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is not your typical deke record. If you like all previous deke records this one is hard to like, i personaly like his rockabilly side better(peroxide blonde,hatchet man,hot rod queen...etc) witch this album does not showcase. What you get here are 15 decent songs that become good after many listens,not right away like previous recordings. The problem I have w/ this album is the lack of spark in many of these tunes. Dont get me wrong, there are many good songs but,just not as good as in the past, Upon repeat listens this album will improve. Whats really lacking is the double-neck,fretboard shredding solos that were all used to hearing,instead we get the sound of a slick steel guitar and some wild piano work thanks to C.S. Leyland. It all makes for a good,yet sub par effort from Deke n' Co.Even at his worst Deke's better than most so called,"roots rockers". It just goes to show ya', even in the cloudyest night ol' Deke's star can still shine. If you don't like country you may not like this,many rockabilly fans might not either... 3.5 stars out of 5."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1