The latest releases reviewed
RY COODER
I, Flathead
Nonesuch Records
****
This is the third in Ry Cooder's celebrated trilogy about life in the California of his mind.
Chávez Ravinewas about the loss of place and identity and
My Name Is Buddyconcerned the absence of solidarity and the loss of idealism.
I, Flatheadfocuses on the culturally rich, if personally poor, world of those living on the margins in the burgeoning 1950s Golden State ("where strange people are the norm") as seen through the songs of fictional musician Kash Buk and his band the Klowns. The deluxe edition includes a 95-page novella chronicling Buk's life and times. The music is gripping country, featherlight western swing, raspy chugging r'n'b, hazy and floating "ballats", all graced with Latino horns, Flaco Jimenez's accordion and Cooder's nimble- fingered guitar. Warm, wise and frequently wonderful.
www.rycooder.com
JOE BREEN
Download tracks:
Drive Like I Never Been Hurt, Fernando Sez, Steel Guitar Heaven
SOUTH SAN GABRIEL/CENTRO-MATIC
Dual Hawks
Cooking Vinyl
***
Newcomers might require a little explanation. SSG and Centro-matic are essentially one and the same, and the inspiration for both is guitarist Will Johnson. The alt.country bands were formed in Denton, Texas, with the idea that SSG would be quiet and introspective and C-m the opposite. They have operated in parallel but now come together for
Dual Hawks, which comprises 23 tracks on two CDs. You can start dirty and noisy with Centro-matic, or opt for something much more dense and subdued. Either way, it is not an easy journey, but ultimately you get there. Out of the waves of white noise and layers of whispered sensitivity are moments of light- filled beauty. Funnily enough, Centro-matic probably get the nod, if only for the ringing choruses of
Twenty-Four. But SSG, as ever, can be captivating, as on the intriguingly named
When the Angels Will Put Out Their Lights.
www.centro-matic.com
JOE BREEN
Download tracks:
Twenty-Four, Kept on the Sly
