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New Releases

Rating Scale: to

Artist:	BACKBONE
Title:	"BACKBONE"
Label:	Grateful Dead Records
Reviewed By:	Donn Jehs
Rating:

Grateful Dead Records has been devoted to releasing various culls and concert music from the Dead's files, but it takes a different turn with the release of "Backbone" from the new group of the same name formed by former Dead drummer, Bill Kreutzmann, vocalist/guitarist, Rick Barnett, and bassist, Ed Cook. While Jerry Garcia was the focal point of the GD, Bill was the glue that held it together and he does the same with solid drumwork and song contributions for his new trio. Right out of the chute we get a solid indication of the new and welcome direction this group is taking as they "Preserve The Blues." Barnett has a raspy edge to his vocals that suits the music and is a bit reminiscent of John Fogarty and "Creedence Clearwater Revival." There is a rebirth of energy in the lyrics and tighter arrangements than we heard from the Dead in their last albums and while there are no songs under 4 minutes, the longest is only six and a half. Barnett delivers excellent guitar licks along with his vocals on "Sittin Here Thinkin," a well-done blues-bar song. "Make Me Laugh" is a ballad which drags a bit, but cuts through you with powerful lyrics. The vocals seem a little echoey and a bit lost in the background which doesn't help what could have been the best cut on the album. "Breathe Deeply" gives the blues a little funk with the bass kicking up and the addition of the Hammond organ. Barnett does a solid solo with a few good riffs over the organ backbeat. The music gets rockin' with "Nothing's Different," which has a great bass line, and Edd Cook also takes up the sax with great effect . This is the only cut written by Cook and takes the group to something different in spite of the title. "Fly Away" is a return to the bluesy ballad sound of "Make Me Laugh" but the vocals are stronger and more solid here. A terrific opening bridge on "Only Son" makes this one of my favorites on the album. The blues take a jazzy turn with the old GD favorite, "New Speedway Boogie," given fresh life on this take as the group does it more than justice. There seems to be more feeling on this cut than any other, the enthusiasm seeming to pour through the speakers. "Stayed Away Too Long" is another soulful blues tune wrapped around the vocals of Barnett. The funk returns with "Earthchild," which showcases the instrumental talents as Barnett abandons the vocals in favor of some nifty guitar play, making this my favorite track. And Bill does a nice piece of drumwork. This is the only cut I wish were longer, ending just as it seems to be getting wound up. "Ocean's Laughter" is the final, and most commercial cut, softer and a bit out of place. Of all the songs this is the one most likely to see airplay while the rougher cuts languish unheard except by those with the "Backbone" to buy the album.

 

 

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