Review Summary: A wonderful mix of blues, rock, country and folk.
Dave Alvin is one of the finest blues guitarist/songwriter around these days. His deep, growling vocals that make him sound like he's seen a lot, are perfectly complimented by his superb guitar playing. His album Eleven Eleven is one of the best blues released in the last few years in my opinion. Here's a song by song analysis:
1. Harlan County Line - This track sets up the album perfectly. It tells the story of love lost ("along the highway") and being on the road away from home. Great guitar tone and playing, with wonderful guitar and vocals. One of the best on the album. 5/5
2. Johnny Ace Is Dead - Probably my personal favourite on the album. Great bouncy track with a great sing-a-long chorus. 5/5
3. Black Rose of Texas - This song drops the volume a bit, for a more laid back sound. A great, slow (if not generic) country song with Mark Knopfler-esque guitar playing. 4.5/5
4. Gary, Indiana 1959 - Another fantastic blues track. The honky-tonk piano just makes this one, not to take away from the always great guitar and vocals. One of my favourites. 5/5
5. Run Conejo Run - From the bass riff at the beginning, you know this is gonna' be a cool track. Tells a good story, interesting to listen to. Not that it is needed as the song holds on its own. Really memorable chorus. Fantastic slide playing. 5/5
6. No Worries Mija - From the opening picking it sounds like a nice laidback song, though it does sound quite generic. This feeling is increased upon the introduction of the accordion. It feels like I've heard the song a hundred times before, which is not the feeling you want from a song. 4/5
7. What's Up The Brother - Blues at its best. Phil Alvin, Dave's brother, joins him on this one and there is some great interplay between them. Phil's harmonica and vocals really make this one a memorable track, and just try to get through it without smiling. Really fun song. 5/5
8. Murrietta's Dead - Another cool song, though not a stand-out. Really not much to say, it's just Dave doing what he does best. Blues with a tinge of country and rock. 4.5/5
9. Manzanita - Another forgettable track. Alvin's low vocals sound great with the high voice of the female vocalist, though. It does have a nice melody. 4.5/5
10. Dirty Nightgown - Really dig the drums in this one, makes it nice and groovy. A real cool track. Dave's singing is just at its best. The guitar playing is really great aswell, as it builds up until it just explodes in the last line of the verse and the solos. 5/5
11. Two Lucky Bums - A nice, though disappointing ending to the album. The melody has been used a hundred times before and ,like I said about No Worries Mija, it feels like I've heard it a hundred times before. Though it is an enjoyable listen, definitely one of the weaker song. 4/5
2011, eleven tracks, his eleventh album. Great job on this one Dave. Any fan of country or blues, should definitely acquire this album.
