Wake The Dead
Yep Roc, 2024
10/10
The California artist Chuck Prophet is accompanied by the Cumbia group, ¿Qiensave?, for these 11 cultured versions of Americana.
“Wake The Dead” opens the listen with strong attention to percussion, where grooves and rhythm suit Prophet’s inimitable voice, and “Betty’s Song” follows with crisp drumming and animated strings that unfold with worldly melodies.
Further along, “Sally Was A Cop” lands closer to rock territory thanks to the spirited guitar and tuneful grit, while “Same Old Crime” balances elegance and hard hitting bouts with punk nods and a bit of haze.
Closer to the end, the thumping “Sugar Into Water” is dance floor ready, where bright keys and an instant sing-along won’t go unnoticed alongside the accordion, and “It’s A Good Day To Be Alive” exits with a gentle and wise moment of dreaminess that benefits from Stephanie Finch’s pretty voice.
A lymphoma survivor, there’s darkness but hope in Prophet’s songs, where this celebration of life embraces rock and roll, punk, surf, and soul that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings; James McMurtry- The Horses And The Hounds