David Lindley
's American label,
Elektra/Asylum Records
, was not sufficiently impressed with the sales of his first two albums,
El Rayo-X
and
Win This Record
, to release this, his third album, domestically. But the international division of the company did find it worthy, so one has the unusual experience of having to dig around import bins to find a great album by an American artist recorded at several clubs in California, yet released only in Europe! (The same fate would befall
Lindley
's fourth album,
Mr. Dave
, in 1985).
, playing electric guitars, slide guitar, mellobar, and Hawaiian lap steel, is typically virtuosic and zany, opening the proceedings with
"Wooly Bully"
and taking it from there. The focus is on his string work, though the four-piece band is tight and
's odd, reedy voice emphasizes the quirky nature of the material. Another triumph, and worth seeking out. ~ William Ruhlmann