The Knitters "Poor Little Critter On The Road" (1985)
- Finally back in print after several years in limbo, this delightful album is an ad hoc collaboration between Exene Cervenka, DJ Bonebrake and John Doe of X, and Dave Alvin of The Blasters. More country-oriented than the former group, more rocking than the latter, the folksy songs here give ample evidence that much fun was had by all involved, and the fact that this album inspired two tribute albums in its wake is a testament to its ultimate influence. Especially good are the title tune, the violently humorous "Call of the Wrecking Ball", and the closer, a light-speed rendition of the classic "Rock Island Line".
- John Doe has a voice of gold (who knew he could croon so well?) and really shines on songs like "Crying but my Tears are Far Away." Exene is a bit off-key as usual on solos, but her strength is sounding like a slightly boozy Patsy Cline, and as usual she sounds great harmonizing with John. Dave Alvin does some great pickin' guitar work. The whole thing has an irreverant, casual quality to it, and yet shows the band members' reverance for such classic groups as the Weavers (Weavers...Knitters...get it?)
- The one weak song on the album is surprisingly the X song "The New World." It has a pretty weak melody that doesn't really stand up to being countrified, and just sounds the best as a revved-up X song. "Call of the Wreckin' Ball" is the most subversive song on the album, about a guy that loves to stomp chickens to death. It's a crack-up, though, in its sick way. I like the slow numbers the best. John Doe is actually a darn good country singer.
1 comments:
really, really nice. thank you!
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