The Whipsaws "60 Watt Avenue" (Shut Eye Records 2007)

In the early 80s Andy Kershaw was interviewing Neil Young on his tour bus, Andy played Neil a Green On Red song. Andy asked Neil, ‘do you know this song’?…..Neil listened to the song coming out of the cassette deck and in his languid style said….’I think it’s Crazy Horse but I don’t recognise the song’. The reason for this preamble is that The Whipsaws latest record is dedicated to Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and cover Neil’s ‘The Loner’ and there is a brief instrumental interlude called ‘Ode To Shakey’ – this record could be Neil Young & Green On Red – it’s that good!

Green on Red are no longer, Crazy Horse in hibernation but Neil is very much with us

The four-piece band is Aaron Benolkin (guitar, lap steel, banjo & vocals), Ivan Molesky (bass), Evan Philips (guitar, harmonica & vocals) and James Dommek (drums, guitar & vocals) they formed in 2002. The band are from Alaska, and write all their own songs apart from the one cover here – mixed by John Agnello with several guest musicians which include the excellent Tim Easton.

While acknowledging the influence of Neil & Crazy Horse, this is very much their own record. The band are confident enough to tackle straight ahead blistering country rock, ballads and on one the best songs on the record ‘The War’ make their own statement about the current mess over in Iraq. Along the same lines ‘Lonesome Joe’ views the world from a returning soldier from an earlier conflict.

‘Mr Soul’ is given an exciting new treatment and although almost 40 years old the song sounds as fresh as ever, featuring some blistering guitar inter play, the instrumental ‘Ode to Shakey’ is a two minute song that sounds like Neil & Crazy Horse working out in Neil’s barn – a completely different way to acknowledge Neil’s influence on this record.

The band is preparing to tour Europe in 2008 and this record confirms the arrival of great new American band. If you like Neil, Green On Red, Drive By Truckers or The Bottle Rockets then I have no hesitation in recommending this sublime new release from the Whipsaws.

Date review added:  Monday, February 11, 2008
Reviewer:  andy riggs
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Related web link:  Artist Website