Dave Alvin has become one of America's great unsung songwriting heroes. His unflinching portraits of modern romance-on-the rocks set the Blasters apart from their roots rocking peers in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, his s... more »olo work moved closer to contemporary folk, meaning that the same guys who once tried to steal his guitar licks are now trying to copy his lyric lines. They'll find plenty to plunder here, from the outstanding "Abilene" to "The Way You Say Good-Bye." Occasionally, as on "New Highway," Alvin starts to repeat himself, but he does it with such authority, with such a world-weary sigh, that it hardly matters. Steel guitar whiz and longtime Alvin compadre Greg Leisz offers tasteful, mostly acoustic production throughout. --Michael Ruby« less
Dave Alvin has become one of America's great unsung songwriting heroes. His unflinching portraits of modern romance-on-the rocks set the Blasters apart from their roots rocking peers in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, his solo work moved closer to contemporary folk, meaning that the same guys who once tried to steal his guitar licks are now trying to copy his lyric lines. They'll find plenty to plunder here, from the outstanding "Abilene" to "The Way You Say Good-Bye." Occasionally, as on "New Highway," Alvin starts to repeat himself, but he does it with such authority, with such a world-weary sigh, that it hardly matters. Steel guitar whiz and longtime Alvin compadre Greg Leisz offers tasteful, mostly acoustic production throughout. --Michael Ruby
"Those of us who live in Southern California have had the pleasure of seeing a lot of Dave Alvin over the years. Along with Tom Russell, Dave Alvin is one of America's greatest songwriters. He and Russell teamed up to write "California Snow" for this CD -- possibly one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. The song 1968 was previously recorded by Chris Gaffney. This album's version doesn't rock like Gaffney's but will affect your emotions as well. Other terrific songs include all of them but especially the title track and Mary Brown.For those of you who have never seen Dave live, check out the Hightone Records web site and find out when he comes to your town. He recently opened for Bob Dylan in the East Coast and tours regularly. Seeing him now is a treasure -- it must be similar to those who saw Bruce Springsteen in Asbury Park before he became famous and moved to Beverly Hills."
American Music
herbancowgirl | Wimberley, Texas United States | 12/13/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to Dave Alvin in form or another for going on 20 years now. While I'll admit I prefer his Stratocaster to his Martin, I can say with conviction I LOVE every single record he's ever made from the Blasters on. This record is particularly compelling. Listen to "Mary Brown" and you'll realize that even Bob Dylan doesn't write better songs than Dave Alvin. I've read a lot about his limited vocal abilities and have to say that I totally disagree with that perspective. His raggged-but-right vocals on Romeo's Escape are charming (and there's more Strat there too!) and the vocals get better with each record. I think the vocals on this record are absolutely beautiful, especially "Tall Trees". The reason for 4 stars instead of five is that I don't really care for "California Snow" (maybe its a personal problem - I bet Dave owns a Tom Russell coffee mug). Dave Alvin makes American Music pure and simple and NOBODY gets it as right as he does as often as he does. I HIGHLY recommend every single one of his records, but especially this one, King of California and my favorite of his solo records - Romeo's Escape."
A cut above
herbancowgirl | 08/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The difference between Dave Alvin and other countryish folk-rockers (i.e. Richard Buckner, Vic Chestnutt, etc) is the quality of his songs. Sure, many artists can create a deep, moving, country SOUND, but how many can really write a SONG that tears your heart out? That leaves you feeling sexy? Whose lyrics make you think? Dave Alvin does the sound AND the songs. I also own King Of California and that record is wonderful too. Seen him twice live, and he is also a very nice man. Listen to this one and weep!"
ANOTHER AMERICAN CLASSIC
herbancowgirl | 07/25/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD contains another classic group of songs that I can't listen to enough. Each and every song could be mentioned as my favorite (and at various times, each is). "1968", "California Snow", and "Abiline" are songs that stop me in my tracks each and every time, the stories ring so true. That, in essence, is what makes this CD (like all of Dave Alvin's music) so special. There is no weak point; the lyrics and music are strong and the mix of musical styles is seamless. In addition, Alvin's vocals keep getting better & better. He truly TELLS a story musically. In other words, the arrangements are haunting, the musicians are excellent, the lyrics are pure poetry. What more could one want?"