Search - Arizona Amp & Alternator :: Arizona Amp & Alternator

If the desert's your country, this is your zone

gonzobrarian | 10/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though a fan of the bands Friends of Dean Martinez and Calexico, I'm a newbie to the sandmen, strangely, and after discovering 'Chore of Enchantment' I had to hear more. I'm not sure where to start with Giant Sand, other than 'Chore', as Howe Gelb has proven an acquired but quite worthwhile taste. I'm probably too picky, as the sandmen's other records haven't yet drawn me in the way 'Chore' has, so I've been looking around. Recently I found Arizona Amp and Alternator, another of Gelb's creations, and after listening to a few tracks on the Thrill Jockey site, I have to say this is the sound I've been looking for.



AAAA is a darkly-tinged, cohesive record. The mix of piano and guitar is lush, the percussion deep, and the lyrics are spellbinding. Each and every song is pure quality, even all four of the AAAA anthems. But the songs 'Where the Wind Turns the Skin to Leather', 'Can Do Girl', and the brilliant, even humorous rendition of "Baby it's Cold Outside' are especially cool. The musicians collaborating on the record are a high point as well, with each subtly contributing their talent to make the album that much richer. I'm rapidly becoming a bigger fan of Howe Gelb and the breezy expanse of the Arizona desert sound, due in part to this record. Gelb seems like the type of guy who runs the ranch at which Tom Waits vacations; hopefully they'll get a chance to kick back and collaborate if they haven't done so already. Arizona Amp and Alternator is another solid, laid-back piece of the desert genre, a really cool record.



Update - 'Bottom of the Barrel' is infectious...feverish guitar with the assistance of Grandaddy. It's hard to stop listening to this one. Gonna have to research Grandaddy now."