Music Review

Public Domain (2012)

Dave Alvin
Reviewed by Tony Scherman | Aug 18, 2000
EW's GRADE
C+

Details Lead Performance: Dave Alvin; Genres: Blues, Folk

Dave Alvin has a lot in common with '70s-and-'80s-era Ry Cooder: a passion for mining American roots music, fine guitar chops, and an utterly undistinguished voice. But where Cooder imbued traditional material with his personal glow, Alvin's just a competent journeyman. No matter how thoroughly he recasts the 15 folk and blues tunes of Public Domain (the R&B version of ''Shenandoah'' is a nice idea), they don't shine. C+

Originally posted Aug 18, 2000 Published in issue #555-556 Aug 18, 2000 Order article reprints

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining
Advertisement

Today's Most Popular

  1. The Music Mix Blue Ivy Carter makes her photo debut. Commence your freak-out now.
  2. The Music Mix Celebs react to Whitney Houston death: 'Please tell me it's not true'
  3. PopWatch Zooey Deschanel hosts tonight's 'Saturday Night Live': Talk about it here!
  4. The Music Mix Whitney Houston, superstar of records, films, dies
  5. Inside TV Grammys: Jennifer Hudson will pay tribute to Whitney Houston