Dave Alvin - Romeo's Escape

 

After reading Alvin's recent book, I looked to see what solo work we had by the man and it turns out that this is the only one, a 1987 release with some of his most iconic songs - "4th of July", "Long White Cadillac", "Border Radio" and more. Although produced by the sax great Steve Berlin (who also plays on the record), the drawback of the album for me is the dated 80's production, especially on the drums. The performances themselves can't be faulted, but the 80's were an awful time for record production, unfortunately.

Here he opens with one of his most famous (rightfully) songs, the fabulous "4th Of July", in an arrangement almost identical to the terrific take done originally by X, telling a tale of a Hollywood couple whose relationship is dissolving to the point where they don't even remember that it is a holiday until the neighborhood kids shoot off fireworks. I must say that I prefer the Blasters fast-paced, rockabilly take on "Long White Cadillac" to Alvin's more slinky, bluesy take, but that might be just because I am used to the original, "Every Night About This Time" is a mournful country ballad, then he hits high gear for the wild rockabilly of the title cut, before hitting the brakes for a super quiet bluesy folk ballad in "Brother (On The Line)" and bounces back for the gospel-blues-rockin' "Jubilee Train".

"Border Radio", another tune originally done by the Blasters, is turned into another morose, pedal-steel, country ballad, "Far Away" is a mid-tempo singer-songwriter, story-song, "New Tattoo" is a bit more hard-rockin', "You Got Me" is a fun boogie blues and the finale, "I Wish It Was Saturday Night", starts as a slow country weeper and turns into a kinda upbeat, almost Dave Edmunds kinda number, but with Dave's unique touch, of course.

While his vocals might be a bit strained at time - his brother Phil was definitely the better singer - he is impassioned and his lyrics and absolutely top-notch and, of course, he git-playin' is always terrific. I think this could have been better, especially sound-wise, and probably would be if he recorded it today, but it's still a fine statement from this talented songwriter and guitarist.