Dave Alvin

Trust Dave Alvin (ex-Blasters, ex-X) to craft an unplugged set that sizzles. Occasionally, he
fires up his electric, but mainly he recasts gems from his catalog ("Border Radio," "Every
Night About This Time") in quieter, deeper settings. Dueting with Syd Straw and Rosie Flores
or going solo, Alvin's voice has gained the dignity his songs deserve – and as master of
small-town laments, he ranks with Springsteen, John Hiatt and the colloquial Dyl... More >

A closet folkie since the Knitters were the Unravelers, Brother Dave isn't just marking time with this unplugged job, he's figuring out how to sing--quietly, like maybe John Prine, who croaked as a rockabilly himself. Yes his own songs top the covers, only there's a Tom Russell vignette you'd swear he made up; yes the old songs top the new ones, only check the Nashville-simple Rosie Flores duet. As for the old ones, his gravelly sprechgesang conjures more from most of them than Brother Phil or John & Exene ever did. If words are his gift, empathy is their secret, and empathy blooms in the stillest moments. (Grade: A-)