Dale Watson
Jukebox Fury
(Cleopatra)
I'll admit it: When first I heard of this project, I was unimpressed. Having been a Dale Watson fan for years, I appreciated his alt-country compositions. This venture seemed unpropitious -- covering others' chart hits? It smelled like a desperate attempt at market relevance.
Was I ever wrong in my prejudice.
Dale's voice, with its warm and grained character, can make material seem his own. Listening, I couldn't recall who'd done these songs originally. They're just good material, made still better by his singular investment.
Then too, there's the Danny B. Harvey factor. The rockabilly legend produced, wisely portraying the fine music without undue interference. Danny played guitar on this, also; his inimitable stylizations fill the body with unique animation.
Dale's is a talent that matches the august songs. It all fits cleanly, without sounding unnatural.
Never have I been so satisfied to have been so wrong.
Recommended: "Turn The Page," "Sundown," "Always On My Mind" (feat. Linda Gail Lewis), "Polk Salad Annie," "Treat Her Right" (feat. Steve Cropper), "I've Always Been Crazy" feat. Lorrie Morgan), "Bluer Than Blue," "Act Naturally"
Video: "Polk Salad Annie"
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