West of the West

CD TOP ZUSTAND; DIGI PACK SEHR GUT ;STRICHCODE CO

ROOTS ROCK; AMERICANA: I've heard Dave Alvin's name over the years but never ever until now got around to giving him a listen, this is my first Dave Alvin album & I will definitely be buying some more of his stuff. On this album he has chosen to do covers of songs written by writers & performers who originate from California, although he hasn't stuck rigidly to that premise. What's emerged is a collection of really excellent versions of some classic songs that many listeners will know from, John Stewart, Jackson Browne, Los Lobos etc, the collection is quite varied culminating with a really great version of Brian Wilson's Surfer Girl. Lovely laid back treatments with acoustic guitar work but some also have there rocky moments, maybe I might be chastised by ardent Dave Alvin fan's, but he does remind me vocally of Mark Knopler a bit, & in particular the guitar on Sonora's Death Row. This comparison doesn't spoil it for me if you like Knopler you'll like this, buy it & give it a whirl, you'll not be disappointed!

BLASTERS; AMERICANA; LOS LOBOS; MARK KNOPFLER