Johnny Dowd: Pictures from Life's Other Side (Independent)
MMMM; something rum afoot here, methinks. The facts are simple enough: Johnny runs a trucking business in upstate New York. Born in Texas, raised in Oklahoma, he was fifty before he recorded his debut album a couple of years back. Wrong Side of Memphis was apparently country served raw and bleeding. A strong constitution was required. This second selection is more roots rock'n'roll sophisticated, though that term is used advisedly. The songs are weird and strangely beautiful, sort of Lou Reed and Tom Waits remember Captain Beefheart; Hope You Don't Mind is a close relative of Reed's Coney Island Baby. That said, the 15 blues-influenced tracks ring true with the ghosts of a life lived on the edge; listen to the whispered and disturbing Blood Evidence or the simply extraordinary No Woman's Flesh But Hers - I doubt you'll hear its like too often.
Joe Breen
Dr John: Duke Elegant (Parlophone)
THE Doc is back, this time not with his own songs, but those of someone he greatly admires - Duke Ellington. On The Wrong Side of The Railroad Tracks actually starts on the right side, and makes the journey comfortable from start to finish. This is more a jazz than a blues album; Dr John's vocals are gritty, and in some songs he could have done with a couple of cough sweets, but his piano playing is clean and sharp. The band does well, too - check out the beautiful sax of Ronnie Cuber in Don't Get Around Too Much. Overall, this is an album for when you want to take it easy, especially on numbers such as Solitude; it's a nice tribute to the Duke, and just about the best medicine the Doctor can give ya. Sit back and enjoy.
Colm Banville