I Think I Just Heard That

I recently came across an artist by the name of Chris Gaffney and fellow collaborator by the name of Dave Alvin. Little did I know this would lead to a sizeable investment for anything I could get my hands on by either artist. I started this investment with Chris Gaffney's 1992 album "Mi Vida Loca" and the rest is consumer history. "Mi Vida Loca" is a great mix of several country elements, but very reminiscent of a enjoyable southwestern sound. This isn't to say Gaffney's work are all one sided. Much of his early solo works is very similar to Gram Parsons sound, post Burritos Brothers stuff. Other sites reference Gaffney's music as an infusion of hard country with elements of Tex-Mex and pure rock & roll, coming off like a cross between Merle Haggard and the Blasters. Regardless if you're a little bit country or a little bit rock Gaffney's music has a little bit of something for everyone.

After listening to some of Gaffney's albums I came across a name on the liner notes by a gentleman named Dave Alvin. Now I don't pretend to know everything about the tunes I listen to, but I had the pleasure of working with some great folks in Bowling Green, KY and a kick ass manager who lead me down the path of a group by the name of the Blasters. Who by the way had a band member by the name of Dave Alvin. Dave was also a member of some notable West Coast acts by the name of X and The Flesh Eaters. While I can't say I don't enjoy his later works, I can say his stuff with X and The Flesh Eaters really makes we wanna go back and learn more about the whole West Coast music scene during the late 70's to early 80's. For those of you who just want a taste of what The Flesh Eaters have to offer just check out this video for "The Wedding Dice".

It's been an interesting journey down the path of each artist and I've learned quite a bit along the way and would encourage anyone interested either the early country, southwest, Tex Mex styles to check out Chris Gaffney or for a more course edge give Dave Alvin's early works a whirl. Enjoy

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Josh Rouse - El Turista (stream for free by clicking here)
The City Champs - The Safecracker