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CD review: Levon Helm ‘Electric Dirt’
Levon Helm
‘Electric Dirt’ (Vanguard)
B-
Where 2007’s Grammy-winning “Dirt Farmer” ended a 25-year hiatus for Helm, the new “Electric Dirt” is less than two years coming. But where the new album lacks the airy depth and sense of purpose of its predecessor, it’s similarly a labor of love. In fine voice after a bout with throat cancer, Helm leads what sounds like a jam session on songs ranging from blues (two Muddy Waters covers), mountain music (“White Dove”) and dirty dixieland (Randy Newman’s “Kingfish”).
The problem with the covers is that they all pale to the originals. As the last member of the Band still making records, Helm is the godfather of Americana music, but too much of “Electric Dirt” rests on that title. In a sense, this album sounds like little more than an excuse to hit the road to promote it.
But two original tunes from producer Larry Campbell save the record. “Growing Trade,” co-written with Helm, is one of the best songs you’ll ever hear about the plight of family farmers, and “When I Go Away” is a melodic soul stirrer. More time between albums would’ve led to more songs like these.
Helm and his band make their Austin City Limits Festival debut at Zilker Park in October.
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