When you look at the top of the track list of the eponymous album by Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, you might think you're in for a heavy listen. After all, in the first 3 tracks, the band has songs about the Branch Davidians and Jim Jones. The first track "Branch Davidians" is kind of a brooding, dark number. I guess that's not surprising considering the subject matter.
The opener is followed by the incredibly energetic (dare I say sunny?) "All One!" This is a complete curveball from the beginning of the album, with keyboards reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, and the lyrics "It's time to shine." This tune will get you moving for sure. And to be honest, it's good that you get such a drastic change so early on in the album. In that regard, the band is getting you used to the fact that you won't know what to expect next from this six-piece/eight-instrument (Dusty plays keyboards and accordion; Andrea plays violin and mandolin) band. This is a band that moves easily from moody rock ("Street Fighter Opus parts 1 and 2") to easily singable gems ("Dear Honey" Go ahead. I dare you to try to keep from singing along to this tune.) to songs that are bound to get your feet a-stompin' ("Leaving Tennessee").
While I wouldn't say this band sounds quite like any other band I've heard, the music at times reminds me of: Murder By Death (in general mood, and with the inclusion of strings), Tom Waits (arrangements and storytelling), and Black Joe Lewis (Dusty's vocals). Just turn that one over in your mind for a moment. Those three artists aren't too similar to each other, and yet this band weaves similar elements of all of them into its music.
WARNING: If you are looking for easily digestible pop, this is not the album for you. That being said, if you are looking for a band with good range and pretty elaborate arrangements and good stories, then this is an album you should add to your collection. You know, it's one of those albums you might list as Unclassifiable on iTunes. For the record, I have listened to the album four times, and I'm still not sure I could give a succinct synopsis of how the band sounds.
Oh, and if you like this, I highly recommend going to see this band perform live. While the energy on the recording is good, it pales in comparison to the energy of the live show, as I witnessed at the OC Music Awards showcase earlier this week. Speaking of which, Dusty Rhodes and the River Band is one of the five finalists in the Best Live Band category. The five bands will perform on 27 February at the Samueli Theater. The show begins at 7:30.
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