Customer Reviews

Crow Jane Alley

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

 

 

Willy Deville is undeniably the most underrated performer to come out of the CBGB punk scene in the late '70s. While other performers such as the Ramones, Talking Heads and Blondie went on to success (critically if not commercially), Willy DeVille sunk into what seems like permanent career purgatory. And that's a shame because over the last 25 years, Willy and his band, Mink DeVille, created some of the most varied and creative music to ever come out of New York City.
Although it may seem as DeVille had disappeared, he has never stopped releasing records. An extremely popular act in Europe, DeVille concentrated on that market for the last decade or so but now returns stateside with the release of Crow Jane Alley.
Like most of his albums, Crow Jane Alley is a smorgasbord of DeVille delights. From the opening Mexicali rhythms and haunting lyrics of "Chieva" (about DeVille's drug abuse) to the wonderful Drifter's-like ballad "My Forever Came Today" to the incredible cover of Bryan Ferry's "Slave To Love," Willy hits on all cylinders here. He even returns to the down and dirty rock of "Cadillac Walk" with the timely "Trouble Comin' Everyday In A World Gone Wrong."
If for no other reason then years of dedicated (and talented) service to a almost-forgotten past, give Crow Jane Alley a listen.

I am a long time Willy/Mink DeVille fan. I believe this album may be his best. I hope the CD is successful commercially if for no other reason than to expose more people to Willy's music. Easily one of the best releases in recent months and a welcome return by Willy.

This is a great return to what Willy did as a solo artist or with Mink DeVille,great ballads,great vocals,and great R and B,granted I really miss songs like Love me like you did before with the great Rock and Roll track.
This is a return to form to me partially because there where many odd things to me about his last release starting with the sweaty rock star photos.I also prefer to hear his songs versus his cover versions.
Having said that I love all of the songs on Crow Jane alley including the two cover songs.
His vocals are great especially on his cover of "Come a little bit closer" and a song I've always loved by Bryan Ferry "Slave to Love" he brings something new to both great songs,both versions are great.I've always hated hearing exact renditions of songs by supposed artists.
The opening song Chieva took a little while and several listens to really appreciate but Right There,Right Then,Downside of Town and My Forever, WOW talk about being revitalised he hit's home runs on all three songs,instant classics all.
I have to say though that my favorite cut on this Cd is (Don't have A)Change of Heart,I don't have any idea how long this song is it might be three minutes I really don't know but it seems like just seconds as you don't want it to stop,in fact I've had not just this Cd on heavy repeat mode on my player but also this song alone I can listen to this song alone for an hour and not get enough.Basically what I'm saying is welcome back Willy,I still have the letter you sent to me when you where in Colorado, Le Chat Blue is still one of my favorite three CD's ever by anyone.Can't wait for your next release.

If you are a fan of Willy Deville you will not be disappointed with this CD.If I was forced to pick a favorite song on this CD it would be,"Crow Jane Alley".I think I stumbled onto what it is that is so darn wonderful about this amazing artist and that is this: When Willy sings he is wholly present in the moment of that song.I think that is why the listener feels as if he is singing directly to you.

Many years ago I saw Mink DeVille open for Hall & Oates (odd but true) and I have been a Willy DeVille fan since that moment. That band was remarkable and Willy has continued to be remarkable as well in his various incarnations since Mink DeVille disbanded. A great rock and roll voice with serious songwriting talent and an uncanny ability to pick cover songs (from "Cadillac Walk" to "Slave to Love"), Willy is virtually unrivaled! I never get tired of his voice! This CD continues his interesting career, with a set of songs you'll want to hear again and again. Can't pick a favorite one; they're all fine! Get this and you will not be disappointed!

Sad news: Willy Deville died of pancreatic cancer on August 5th, 2009. He was only 58 years old.

Another excelllent Willy DeVille album. As usual he explores a diverse bag of musical styles. You will not be disappointed. He ends the album with a Kris Kristofferson sounding tune followed by his own version of Frank Zappa's "Trouble Coming Every Day" from the Mothers 1st album. All of Willy's albums are worth searching out. Why he is never heard on radio and his albums are so hard to find remains a mystery.

I worship the ground this man walks on so it pains me to find this latest effort, his first studio album in 5 years, an abject failure. Perhaps he's lost his edge. I hate to subscribe to the notion of artists having to suffer for art's sake but if this is what "happy" sounds like, no thanks!
DeVille still has the knack for choosing some of the best session men and guest artists around but even THEY couldn't save this cd. The previous and ASTOUNDING "Willy DeVille Acoustic Trio In Berlin" had Willie wagging his finger at the press for failure to drop the long dead news of his long ago heroin use so why is the first cut on Crow Jane Alley a song called "Chieva"...a song ALL ABOUT HIS PAST HEROIN USE? (c'mon Willie, you're sending more mixed messages than a dim bulb blonde on a date.) "Right There-Right Now" & "Downside of Town" have some tender lyrics but fail miserably melodically. His cover tracks lack his usual New Orleans Quarter Rat passion and style. His raw growl and slippery Adam's apple dynamics are nowhere to be found and we are the worse off for it. Thankfully, JP Shenale gives us some greasy slide guitar on "Muddy Waters". "Don't Have a Change of Heart" seems forced and contrived while Willy's vocal sound as tho he's channeling Kris Kristofferson. "Trouble Comin Everyday" should have been left for Knopfler to record.
I'm so disappointed I guess I'll just start collecting his older stuff like Le Chat Bleu etc. Usually DeVille moves me to tears as I drive to work each morning and listen to the way he strokes lyrics and vocally embodies different characters in perfect Troubadour form. Purchase "In Berlin" if you want to experience exquisite depth of emotion and the type of talent only God doles out...after listening to him sing on the "Berlin" cd,I used to dream of lavishing unspeakable forms of attention on him. Now I just feel like I should bring him a blanket and some soup! Leave Crow Jane in the Alley. Result = Aural Novocaine.