Dave Alvin King Of California CD

For his fourth album, 1994's KING OF CALIFORNIA, Dave Alvin mixed new songs with selections revisited from his back catalog, as well as numbers first recorded with his previous band, The Blasters. The setting is a pared-down acoustic ensemble perfectly suited to his songs of the downtrodden, the lovelorn and the lost--all tempered with a sense of hope. The title track is a perfect example of Alvin's finely crafted tales of the working class dreaming of sunnier climes. Bobby Lloyd Hick's brushed snare beautifully echoes the literature of the lyrics.

Throughout, the album's spare accompaniment is rich with warm interplay, creating a sense of community that further bolsters this music's personal nature. Singer Rosie Flores duets with Alvin on one song, and Syd Straw lends her voice to another. "Border Radio" brings things to a close, with a gorgeously quiet rendition that celebrates the heart that was always beating inside of the Blaster's earlier revved-up take.

Includes liner notes by Dave Alvin.

Adapter: Dave Alvin.

Personnel: Dave Alvin (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, steel guitar); Rosie Flores, Syd Straw (vocals); Greg Leisz (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, steel guitar, mandolin); Steve Van Celder, Steve VanGelder (fiddle); Jim Wood, Jimmie Wood (harmonica); Skip Edwards (accordion, organ); David Jackson (accordion); Don Falzone, James Intveld (acoustic bass); Alan Deremo (electric bass, fretless bass); Bob Galb, Bob Clark , Bob Glaub (electric bass, percussion); Alan Dereino (electric bass); James Cruce (drums, snare drum, washboard, percussion); Donald Lindley (drums, snare drum, shaker, percussion); Bobby Lloyd Hicks (drums, snare drum, percussion).

Audio Mixer: Paul DuGre.

Recording information: West Beach Recorders (01/1994).

Director: Shelly Heber.

Photographer: Beth Herzhaft.

Arranger: Dave Alvin.

Personnel: Dave Alvin (vocals, acoustic, electric & steel guitars); Syd Straw, Rosie Flores (vocals); Greg Leisz (acoustic, electric & pedal steel guitars, mandolin); Jimmie Wood (harmonica); Steve Van Gelder (fiddle); Skip Edwards (accordion, organ); David Jackson (accordion); James Intveld, Don Falzone (acoustic bass); Bob Glaub (bass, percussion); Alan Deremo (bass); Donald Lindley, James Cruce (drums, percussion); Bobby Lloyd Hicks (drums, percussion, background vocals).

Rolling Stone (7/14/94, p.104) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Trust Dave Alvin to craft an unplugged set that sizzles...he ranks with Springsteen, John Hiatt and the colloquial Dylan..."
Alternative Press (8/94, p.72) - "...KING OF CALIFORNIA just proves that acoustic isn't a synonym for arid when it comes to making music..."
Option (Sept/Oct 94, p.89) - "...It's dynamite stuff, very personal and confident. Johnny Cash may be making a come back, but Dave Alvin's easily his equal without being an imitator..."
Stereo Review (7/94, p.82) - Performance: Hypnotic / Recording: Good - "...A basic folk-and-blues album, mostly out of reworked songs previously recorded solo or with his first band, the Blasters. Along the way he throws in a few covers...that fit his theme of life's beautiful losers caught in freeze frame demise..."