Solo ex-Blaster still the goods
by Jim Trageser
This review first appeared in the Sept. 25, 1991 issue of the East County Express Line.
Dave Alvin has always had more than a touch of country in his soul. Now solo, Alvin's second album features music combining more of that country feel with a small dose of R&B closer to his work with L.A. rockabilly kings the Blasters than his first album.
This melding of country and R&B makes for an interesting experiment, as well as a highly listenable effort, featuring as it does guest appearances by everyone from country star Dwight Yoakum to folkie Kathy Moffatt to R&B singers Bobby King and Terry Evans.
There aren't too many weak points on "Blue Blvd." All of the compositions are attractive, Alvin's guitar work is still riveting, and the band is tight. The best song of a good batch may be a tribute to rock pioneer Bill Haley, "Haley's Comet."
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