American Central Dust (Digital Album)

by

Son Volt

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After several listens, I am placing this record just after Straightaways in my "favorite Son Volt" list. Jay's songwriting is in top form, and they've stripped down the production a bit, which is not a bad thing in my book. My only wish is that they had one more growling rocker; however, the record is still excellent. All the comparisons with Wilco are pointless. Son Volt and Wilco are so far removed from each other now, if we didn't know Jay and Jeff were once in a band together, we wouldn't compare them at all. If you are a SV fan, or just like good rootsy music, don't hesitate and buy this one.

Those of you that read my reviews know that I'm a big Son Volt fan. I just kinda picked it up one day reading about Wilco's past, and the previous bands before that (Uncle Tupelo. Duh.). So, naturally, I was curious about this album.

Before I get started, I do have to say this: Son Volt is not for everybody. While their classic sound of twangy guitars, smooth-but-rugged vocals and old-country sound is great, it can get samey-sounding, especially when there's been little evolution over the course of 6 albums. While I do agree that Jay Farrar is a terrific songwriter, American Central Dust has to be the worst album the band has penned up to this point.

It's just so....downtrodden. And that's saying something for Son Volt. Granted, there has always been downbeat and sadder songs on their albums, but on this one, they are just wallowing in the muck. Every song is at a slow pace, Jay's voice is really not up to par, and the production, while pretty, just sounds lifeless.

There are a few keepers, but they're so few and far between. Down To The Wire and When The Wheels Don't Move is classic Son Volt: ragged and rocking, with some killer hooks. Cocaine & Ashes is a bittersweet ode to Keith Richards, and Dynamite could've easily fit in with their masterpiece, 1995's Trace.

But the rest of the album is so sleepy. Sultana is the biggest offender: Jay is basically stating dry facts over predictable chord changes. We've heard better, man.

Honestly, I hope the next Son Volt record changes pace. There's only so much downtrodden I can take.