American Music
Liberation Hall, 2025
10/10
Originally released in 1980, this debut album from The Blasters returns with new liner notes from Chris Morris, where their influential roots rock template still sounds great all these decades later.
The infectious rockabilly energy of the title track opens with Phil Alvin’s unmistakable voice guiding the body shaking fun, and “Real Rock Drive” follows with Dave Alvin’s playful guitar playing that suits Bill Batemen’s frisky drums.
Moving into the middle, “I Wish You Would” thumps alongside Phil’s spirited harmonica, while the scrappy “She Ain’t Got The Beat” has Phil’s adaptable voice complementing the animated rhythm section.
Further along, “Never No More Blues” comes with plenty of retro rock’n’roll flavor that benefits from John Bazz’s bass and some yodeling, and “Barn Burning” exits with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ good time that you’ll be singing-along to pretty quick.
The Blasters were pioneers in alt-country and Americana, and what a great first record this was. Not only is the music some of the best of the genre, we’re treated to rare photos and memorabilia specific to this reissue, too.
Travels well with: The Blasters- The Complete Concert; The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters