Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

I often forget that most people aren’t as obsessive as I am about music.  I nearly began this review by deeming anybody unfamiliar with Levon Helm as, “musically ignorant.”    But, admittedly, it’s preposterous to think that everyone should know the names and musical roles of every member of every great band that’s ever contributed to the ongoing story of Rock and Roll.    So, those unfamiliar with Levon Helm shall not be labeled, “musically ignorant.”  Perhaps, “musically deprived”, is more appropriate.     

Levon Helm has forever stamped his name on music history as the graceful yet powerful drummer of The Band;  his style highlighted on such masterpieces as Music From Big Pink and The Last Waltz.   Helm might also be just as celebrated for his deeply soulful, country-tinged voice.   All of his talents are showcased on the latest release from Raven Records,  Levon Helm and the RCO All-Stars /American Son,  a two-for-one that contains Helm’s post-Band solo albums of the same names.    

As a solo artist, Helm combines elements of Rock, Blues, Soul, and toe-tapping boogie-woogie just as The Band did before the members parted ways.   Every track on The RCO All-Stars/American Son is just as satisfying as the last.   Check out “Dance Me Down Easy”.  It just may have the most infectious guitar riff I’ve ever heard.  Now, writing anything else would simply delay your trip to the record store.