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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > July > 06 > Entry
CD review: Son Volt ‘American Central Dust’
Son Volt
‘American Central Dust’
(Rounder)
Grade: A-
First listen: This record is a numbing bore. It wouldn’t be surprising that, after an industrial accident, a heavy machinery operator tested positive for traces of Son Volt in his system.
Second listen: The band, two of the five from Austin, is doing some interesting things with rhythms and textures, creating a subtly subversive backdrop/Crazy Horse lurching. Mark Spencer’s pedal steel guitar makes “Dust of Daylight” and “Pushed Too Far” truly special.
But this record could do without “Sultana,” the sort of heavy-handed tale of maritime disaster that led to the formation of Wilco.
Third listen: Jay Farrar’s voice is mesmerizing in its consistency and commitment. There’s not a note out of place and such songs as “When the Wheels Don’t Move,” about the folks hurt most in a failing auto industry, and the LP-ending “Jukebox of Steel,” sound born sturdy. It’s quite remarkable the way all the pieces come together like a potluck dinner among close friends.
Fourth listen: This could be the best Son Volt record since 1995’s “Trace,” lacking only a “Tear-Stained Eye” to bring in the fence-sitters. “American Central Dust” is about 44 minutes from beginning to end, not the 3:45 that might get them next to Patty (Griffin) on the playlist. There’s not a producer credited, as the CD sounds like musicians left alone with the sounds in their heads and the talent to translate. It’s a mood piece that makes the silence after “Jukebox of Steel” almost jarring.
Someone should do a study on why it is that so many of the albums we love are initially met with disappointment. Raise your hand if you hated “Exile On Main Street” at first. Although “A.C.D.” is not going to be a classic, it’s one of those records that challenge, then reward, those who stick it out.
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By sharilly@gmail.com
July 7, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
i can’t wait to give it a listen…or 4 or 5 or 10…i love these guys…even if i don’t like some songs at first, they always grow on me.
By Waterloo Records
July 8, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this
Waterloo Records & Video (6th St. & Lamar Blvd.) hosts a FREE Son Volt “American Central Dust” CD listening party, complete with FREE Austin’s Pizza, at 5PM Wed. July 8th.
By Tom
July 14, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
I remembered reading this review when, at about 6:00 am this monring, on the highway just north of Baltimore it hit me, this is a really good record. I downloaded ACD on Friday, almost taking a pass after the 10-second samples available on iTunes. Admittedly, it a grower not a shower. Unlike Straighaways and Wide Swing, the record doesn’t fall into the abyss after about 6 songs. Actually, it finishes pretty strong. Very nice work.
By Mary Beth
July 18, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
This is the best SonVolt since Trace, which came out when my youngest was born and helped me through many a stressful day. I love driving along to this CD; it’s infectious. And now my teenagers, who initially found it “way too country” are singing right along with me, a testament to your review!
By larry C
August 6, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
Jay CD is the best , he is the Gram Parson of this era