Search - Dave Alvin :: Romeo's Escape

Walking Americana.

Once a soldier... | Spain. | 03/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1986, the LP was called "Romeo's scape". In 1987 it was called "Every night about this time". In 2001 and now, we are back to the original title.

One of the best records ever. Each song a classic. Dylan and Townes are Dave Alvin's peers.Just incredible."

Very good remake of his Blasters' songs

elvistcob@lvcm.com | Las Vegas, NV | 05/29/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD at a Dave Alvin concert. Based on the material he played in concert, I would say this is the best of his solo albums. Of course he has the luxury here of recording some of the best of his non-solo stuff.Dave Alvin was the song-writing part of The Blasters, one of the most enjoyable bands playing American music ever to put out a record. When they were in their prime, nobody did stuff like this better. With his brother Phil doing the singing, they had a distinct sound, and you had to see Phil perform to fully appreciate the whole Blasters experience. Alas, people don't get along and Dave and the Blasters parted ways. Dave has set off on a solo career that hasn't seemed that successful, and at last checking, the Blasters continue to tour without Dave. Problem is, without Dave to write good songs, the Blasters are probably doomed to being an oldies act. What makes this album interesting is that you get to hear Dave's songs SUNG by Dave. He will tell you in concert that the idea was strange to him when first proposed, and if you followed the band, you might think the same. No, Dave does not have a smooth voice at all. In fact, it's downright gravelly from countless cigarettes. But what you do get is the author of some songs singing them the way he thinks they should be sung. If you were a Blasters fan, hearing songs like "Long White Cadillac", "Jubilee Train", and "Border Radio" might take some getting used to, but they come out as equally good interpretations after awhile. There is feeling to the singing, too. "Border Radio" is slowed down a lot, and you look at it a different way. And you will be hard-pressed to find a more heart-rendering performance than what he does with "Every Night About This Time". He also rocks hard on the album with "Romeo's Escape" and "New Tatto", which balance it out nicely. There are not that many bands doing this kind of music anymore, so catch Dave or the Blasters if they come to your town."