Customer Reviews

Blues That Defy My Soul

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Upbeat rockabilly rhythms that wax philosophic of slack-jawed sepia-tinted times. The echoey tremolo and clean tones of Romweber's guitar meld well with the use of Andrew Maltbie's electric bass. Sam Laresh handles the percussion; rounding off the three-piece that combines a frantic, period correct Slingerland sound with modern rhythm equipment. The trio includes some more-complex surf tunes like "Nephretite", and the New Orleans themed "Unharmonious". A jump-blues isn't out of the question either, as "The 309" will get you out of your seat and swing dancing. Romweber doesn't get stuck on this record; He incorporates yesteryear with neo-rockabilly and creates a sound that screams a studious nod to everyone from Hank Williams to Bo Diddley to Joe Strummer. "Blues That Defy My Soul" is an excellent record because of its true diversity across both sides. All content copyright www.maximumink.com

Though Romweber's been recording a similar mix of psychobilly and blues since his days in the Flat Duo Jets, his latest solo release distills the formula to its essence. Playing with a trio, and with Southern Culture on the Skids Rick Miller producing, Romweber sounds like a rockabilly version of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. His rhythm section (Sam Laresh on drums and Andrew Maltbie on bass) provide a rambunctious backing for the raucous guitar and growly, Tom Waitsian vocals. Originals like the jump-blues rockabilly "Rockin' Dead man" and the go-go instrumental "Nabonga" sit well with covers of obscurities like Benny Joy's "Come Back" and the Charlie Rich ballad "I've Lost My Heart to You." Add surf-tinged instrumentals like "Nephretite" and "Nabonga" and you have one fine rock 'n' roll LP.

This is a great album, I got it from my kids for Fathers day. Best thing is, it makes me want to pick up my guitar and play along.

Dexter Romweber is at the intersection of Sun Records,Chris Issak and the White Stripes. More great stuff from him.

I can't think of anyone else in rock 'n' roll who has been consistently good for 20 years.Dex never compromises and never bends with the trends.

This is horrible. I enjoy oldies and Sun Records-era cuts as much as the next guy, but this is very pedestrian. Yuck! His voice is grading and unfriendly. You may say he is uncompromising but you still have to put good tunes to tape and not much here is interesting.
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The 6th song, a surf style inst., "Nephretite" is passable (no vocals, phew!), but even there it is repetitive and not spectacular.
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He rocks out some on "309" but the voice is so poor it takes any enjoyment from the song. Yuck!
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The non-vocal ditty|"Nabonga" was an Al-right listen, but I'm not racing to Sam Phillips speed dial on this one either.
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"Prison Called Life" was a perfectly titled closer, because I couldn't wait for this CD to end. It was a keeper.
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Makes the Stray Cats sounds like innovators.
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Easily the worst 'rock' record I've sampled since
"Drive By Truckers" this year.
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Take this low-flying saucer rock & droll and ... el Paso.