There are moments in life when you are confronted by something so blindingly obvious, that it is almost painful to have to admit that it has never occurred to you before.
The Radiators are a d@mn-fine rock band from New Orleans, Louisiana. How is it possible, then, that I’d never heard of them until recently? It certainly isn’t because they haven’t been out there trying to get their music across to people; they’ve been together since a 1978 jam session in keyboardist Ed Volker’s garage.
My wife, a native of New Orleans, knew of them. So, how is it possible that my first experience of this band’s music was their stint as the “house band” for the New Orleans’ portion of last month’s Comic Relief benefit?
Perhaps it is due to my stubborn knack for dismissing much of the music she listened to before we were together? That’s one of the reasons it took me forever to finally listen to her Mel Torme CDs, I’ll admit.
Mel Torme rules, by the way.
Just a little while after watching the benefit the opportunity came around for me to get to review the newest CD by The Radiators, entitled Dreaming Out Loud. Partly to be able to ultimately give the review copy to my wife, and partly to satisfy my curiosity about the band, I threw my hat into the ring and requested the CD.
Sitting here and listening to it while writing this, I can safely say that I am glad I did so. I can also say that, unaware to my wife, I’m not giving up my review copy.
Buy your own, woman! Now then, on to the album:
“Ace in the Hole” kicks things off as the opening track on the album. Armed with a funky bass line had me instantly hooked, I find myself having to confess that I find myself humming it occasionally throughout the day.
“Dreaming Out Loud” keeps things chugging along, with its wonderful and simple back beat. Add to that the lovely harmony of the band’s two guitars as they weave in and out of the rhythm, and you get the perfect showcase for the ruminating lyrics that explore heartbreaking acceptance. Great song to have as a title track; it really sets the mood.
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Article comments
1 - m poole
The "wonderful gravelly voice"on Death of the blues is that of the fabulous Dave Malone not Mr Volker.Very nice review !!
2 - Michael Jones
It totally figures that I'd get that wrong. Thanks for letting me know, though. Being new to the band I'm not quite up to singling out voices by ear.
I only wish my review were as good as this record :)
3 - Brian
Do yourself a favor and catch these guys live. Their twin lead guitar attack will blow your mind as much of what you hear on the record are much toned down renditions of songs they have been playing live for years. These guys brought me back into the live music fold after I let life get in the way. I've seen them 20 times since I was turned onto them in NYC in 2002. They rock my world.