Cathi's CD Reviews 10-18-09
Baez, Joan – “How Sweet the Sound” (Razor & Tie) B+This is a retrospective of Baez songs from the late ‘50s to the current day, although most tunes are from the mid sixties and a few from 2008-9. Taken from a film of Baez’s life this is a real walk down memory lane for the folkies and a glance back to a time when a simple guitar and floating voice commanded the world and inspired singers everywhere. Her brief romance with and introduction of Dylan to the world were life changing events here and are portrayed in her bittersweet “Diamonds and Rust.” Pretty much all ballads that reflect her finger picking guitar style and throbbing vocals, not to mention her passionate world peace quest, it’s nice to hear this wide a spectrum of an artist more influential than many these days realize. Most okay for all mixes.
Costello, Sean – “Sean Costello-Memorial Retrospective” (Landslide Rec) B+
A Young guitarist that shot up with a rocket on great guitar and his innate sense of feel in the blues – bringing a modern feel to it, yet always including touches that honored the masters, it was a criminal shame he dabbled with the devil and lost at age 28 to drug sirens that have no mercy. This is a retrospective of his work which is incredible given his short years. His absence is painfully apparent and never more so when you hear all he had to offer. Nice compliation tinged with a bittersweet feeling. A collection of both acoustic blues and the more rock-tinged efforts – a melding of many styles.
Drive By Truckers – “The Fine Print” (New West) B
Country-Rock trio who have been greatly influenced by Tom Petty put together a group of tunes that somehow escaped several of their other items. Most of these were written for projects on definite subjects, so we benefit by having them in a collection here, demonstrating the DBT’s ability to sing and write expressively about such a variety of subjects, and make it live with great country rock beats.
Heat, Reverend Horton – “Laughin’ and Cryin’” (YepRoc Records)
A twisted humor songwriter, psychobilly artist Heat’s three-piece probably has an enormous vitamin supplement bill. Bristling with really fast songs and lyrics that reference Jerry Lewis, heavy metal wackos, gambling, and preferring a good Lucky Strike cigarette over most women kinda gives you a good view on his entertainment quotient. The Rev. is a reluctant participant in medium tempos with most of his tunes either stumbling drunkenly through a slow tempo or blasting along full speed. But whatever the tempo, you can be sure the lyrics will be topical and trashcan funny.
Magic Slim & The Teardrops – “Rough Dried Woman” (Wolf) A
As the holiday approaches, we’re seeing a lot of compilation releases…this is a collection of 14 of Slim’s best tunes, which of course are delightful blues – the stuff that makes his club dates so fine you forget what time it is until they’re packin’ up and you realize four hours have somehow slipped past. GREAT club blues from this Magic Sam fan…who told he was not as good as the original, dedicated his life to making his mark as special as Sams. I think he’s done it – with a different flavor, deep feel, and that’s what it’s all about. Still touring and always solid. Highly recommended.
Mayall, John – “Tough” (Eagle Rec) A-
Possibly Mayall’s greatest gift is as a talent scout and an ability to put good players together to make excellent rock blues. After last year’s guitar WIZARD Buddy Whittington, I didn’t think he could keep up the pace, but this year he’s got guitarist Rocky Athas who clearly commands the chair and seems more of a team player. Cool, funky, rocky and overlaid with blues when you’re not lookin’. Another excellent product…go old man go.
Muldaur, Maria – “Garden of Joy” (Stony Plain) A-
After years of doing every kind of music imaginable, songstress/fiddler Maria Muldaur reunites with her jug band pals – John Sebastian, David Grisman, Taj Mahal, Fritz Richmond, and a bundle of others to romp through old and new favorites. I really loved this era of her stuff, and of course all the musicians are 40 years better! Uplifting and cheery tunes put a jump in the step. Great for all mixes.
posted by Cathi N @ 1:50:00 PM
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