Search - Mink Deville :: Spanish Stroll

A WAY UNDERRATED TALENT

Patrick Earley | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 11/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this album! Spanish Stroll is a virtual treasure trove of fantastic R&B music that's done with a Latino twist, and a whole lotta soul. Deville is another one of those hard luck story coulda, shoulda, woulda artists that, after you here this great Best Of comp, wonder what the heck happened? Mink Deville's story began in San Francisco, where they managed to go nowhere fast with their style of music. So he moved his band from San Fran to New York, and found minor success playing the leather bar and lounge circuit with the punk and new wave acts that were so popular in N.Y. at the time. Deville may have looked the part with the pink zoot suit and pencil thin mustache, but this guy was no new waver, and definitly not a punk. He's an accomplished songwriter and an excellent singer who, in my opinion, had an influence on the east coast heavyweights like Southside Johnny and even Springsteen. Just listen to the Boss on his later albums starting with the River, and you'll see what I mean. I can't help but think that if he had had a big time backing band like the Ashbury Dukes or the E Street Band, that Deville would have become a superstar. He might have anyway if it hadn't been for all the numerous record label changes and a music industry blackball due to previous drug problems. But despite all that mess, Deville still remained hungry enough to keep making great music through this fertile period of 77-87. His early stuff which makes up the first half of this CD I think is his best work. Among my faves is "Mixed Up Shook Up Girl". The wonderful "Spanish Stroll", which was the only song that even came close to being a hit. It made the top 20 in the U.K. My alltime Deville favorite is "Just Your Friends", where he sings Ben E King style with a Stand By Me sounding full orchestration backing, and a very infectious sounding harp and strumming acoustic guitar. This song shoulda been a hit. A big hit. Deville wrote, or had a hand in writing almost everything here, with the exception of Moon Martin's "Cadillac Walk". Also a great Arthur Alexander song "You Better Move On". And Van Morrison's "Could You Would You", where he displays some of his best singing. Every R&B/soul lover should have this generous 21 track 75 minute cd in their collection. It's simply delicious!"

Near-perfect

Patrick Earley | 07/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A very decent cross-section of Willie's work, representing both Mink DeVille and his solo career. I was blown away upon hearing "Mixed Up Shook Up Girl" on FM-radio when Mink DeVille first broke in NYC in the late 70s. The band could do it all -- hard-hitting rock and roll, love ballads, reggae, R&B. Listen to the sensational understated guitar playing of Louis X. Erlanger who left Willie after the first 3 LPs. His playing shows up on a bunch of tunes here and it's a shame that Willie didn't have him around longer. He was missed on later recordings. If you're looking for the definitive album, try to find "Le Chat Bleu." It's breathtaking."

Lost Treasure!

mick1916 | B-Cliffe, Pa | 04/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I urge everyone reading this to buy evey Mink DeVille Cd possible, listen to them all and then realize that Willy DeVille is one of Music's un-sung heroes. Blending R&B,with Latin,rock, punk and new wave elements, Willy delivered a sound that was all his own. He's got an unbelievable voice and a style that has influenced the likes of Bruce Springsteen.(listen to this CD and The River by Bruce and try to disagree!) This is good music, plain and simple."