The Ravonettes invited a few of their idols to join them in the creation of this album. Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker performs on four tracks, including “Red Tan.” It is fantastic to hear Ronnie Spector sing at the end of “Ode to L.A.” She still sounds great and it is stunning to learn that she hasn’t recorded anything since an EP in 1999. It’s hard to believe producers are looking for new talent while Ronnie is still around. Lastly, Martin Rev, keyboardist from proto-punk duo Suicide, joined them on three tracks.
Pretty In Black closes out by returning to where the album began with another country ballad, “If I Was Young.” This time a steel pedal guitar joins the arrangement. After the song fades out, you can hear what would be the skipping of the needle as it moves to the center of the record.
This is a fantastic album that never forgets its roots as it heads to new places. A virtual encyclopedia of music for those curious enough to dig deeper, yet at no time is it too cerebral or off-putting for those who want to just enjoy the music without thinking about it.
They are currently on tour:
05.05 - Vancouver, BC - Richard's On Richards
05.06 - Portland, OR - Dante's
05.07 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
05.10 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
05.11 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
05.12 - Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet
05.13 - Indianapolis, IN - The Patio
05.14 - Nashville, TN - Exit / In
05.16 - Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room
05.17 - Austin, TX - The Parish
05.19 - New Orleans, LA - TwIRoPa
05.20 - Tallahassee, FL - Beta Bar
05.22 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
05.24 - St. Petersburg, FL - The State Theatre
05.25 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
05.26 - Atlanta, GA - Smith's Olde Bar
05.27 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
05.28 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
05.29 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
05.31 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
06.01 - Philadelphia, PA - North Star
06.02 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
06.03 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
06.04 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Place
06.06 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
06.07 - Newport, KY - Southgate House
06.08 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
06.09 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Fun House/Thheatre
06.10 - Buffalo, NY - The Showplace
06.11 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
For more info on The Raveonettes - don't hesitate! Also check out http://www.theraveonettes.com
Article comments
1 - Marty Thau
Highly recommended.
2 - stytzer
Great post and I agree completely - this is a brilliant album!