That's the past, now let's roll with the new. Knowles has parted with his former bandmates, but still has possession of the Back Door Slam name. His upcoming album is being sold under the moniker Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, but it's really just him and with all due respect to those other blokes, that's really quite enough. Those fine fellas contributed, but Knowles' voice and guitar are really where this 'band' lives. If you're curious what the new BDS sounds like, El Bicho has you covered there having seen Knowles open for Jeff Beck.
Besides, Knowles went and found some big boy contributors for this new album. Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers is here to lay down some Hammond B-3 organ. Benmont Tench and Brian Eno are the keys. If one or both of them show up on an album, best you just go ahead and buy it. Peter Frampton produced the album, co-wrote a couple tracks with Knowles, and even contributes some guitar on an incendiary cover of George Harrison's "Hear Me Lord."
This is an absolute contender for my 2009 year end list. I'm not telling you it will place or how high, but it's going to be considered strongly and not just because it was released in 2009. Here is my full review of this album.
Ronnie Ear & The Broadcasters
Living In The Light
When I finish my Back Door Slam review, I'll finish my review of Ronnie Earl's latest. Once again, I owe a tip of the cap to one of my fellow Blogcritics writers. Mark Saleski introduced me to the wonders of Ronnie Earl's playing. To call Earl a virtuoso seems to small. He's more than that. It's almost like the guitar is a video game, and Earl has beat the game. He transcends it. If you want to hear a real Guitar Hero, Ronnie Earl is a name you need to know. Living In The Light is more than that, though. This album is as intensely personal and confessional as reality TV is fraudulent in pursuit of those same ideals.
Big Star
#1 Record/Radio City [Bonus Tracks]
I don't know a lot about Big Star other than two artists I love — Elliott Smith and Garbage — both covered their song "13." A couple of BC Writers (General Jabbo and The Other Chad) have reviewed this re-issue so if, like me, you're unfamiliar with them, you can get familiar and decide if this is one you need to get.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice job on this Josh. I like the new format, especially the way you are highlighting the individual albums. As for losing the bolding and italicizing, I'd have probably saved myself considerable headache a long time ago.
But this looks really good. If it is the "Iguana's" blessing you seek, than you surely have it.
-Glen
2 - Glen Boyd
I'd have probably saved myself considerable headache a long time ago if I'd done the same (meant to say above).
3 - El Bicho
Good luck with your probation and thanks for the mention.
As far as Street Sweeper Social Club, it's the Nightwatchman back on his day job, bringing his funky, electric rage with Boots Riley and Stanton Moore at his side. Could easily be RATM.
4 - Josh Hathaway
The only thing I didn't do was boldface, Iguana. The italics are still there, so no getting emo about any shortcuts over here, capice? Thanks for passing the baton. As it is, it's still a labor-intensive process and one I'm looking to improve upon. We'll see how it goes.
El Bicho, thanks for the check-in. I'm going to have my full review of DK&BDS done today or die trying. I've also got a rough draft of my Ronnie Earl review on paper, so I'm going to try and get that out there, too. Thanks for the headsup on the new Morello music.
5 - Mat Brewster
After all that discussion squabbling in the e-mail group, and this is who we get to write the New CDs article?
Just kidding. Good job Josh. Always nice to check in who is releasing what each week. I still need to check out that Davy Knowles disk.
6 - lizzle
nice work! i got the jonas brothers CD a long time ago and i LOVED it! but im a HUGE beatle fan! i got to check out that george harrison CD, thanks for keeping me posted! but try to find out about john lennnon CDs please thanks again!