Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings "Another Roadside Attraction" (BMI 2010)

The spirit of the road

Six albums down the line and you get the feeling that Andy Hawk felt he needed a different angle on the straight down the line Americana that he does so well but was starting to stifle his creative juices. The result skips gently around a variety of styles while staying true to its roots. This is no small achievement and is achieved largely due to its subject matter - the great American road trip. To call this a concept album would be wide of the mark, what he does is take the listener on a captivating ride around the land of hope and glory.

As the opener and title track kicks in Hawks world weary, seen it all voice hints at Ray Wylie Hubbard and Ramblin' Jack Elliot before levelling out to a mere two pack habit drawl. Some of his insights into life on the road are startling, backed up by the multi talented Steve DeVries on tracks like New Orleans and Lipstick and Dynamite. Even the melodies and choice of instruments seem to emphasise every sentiment, such as the way the soaring slide guitar on 'You Could Be My Lois Lane' echoes the man of steel.

An all-American quality seeps through Hawks' production from the deep, gutsy acoustic and lead guitars that scream southern fried rawk n roll to the sax and mandolins that offer a more well travelled vibe, the honky tonk piano of 'Wheel Like The Wind' and the Latin beats and flamenco arrangements as we are invited to Cuba on 'Welcome To Havana, Mr Hemingway'.

Towards the end when Hawk arrives back in 'My Old Hometown' in sombre mood and mourns, "The saddest smile I ever saw, It cracks your wanderlust to pocketfuls of dust", he has a brief identity crisis, before the irresistible 'Blue Rendezvous' gets feet tapping mountain style with DeVries dobro taking centre stage.

This album is a road trip taken on a roller coaster and every twist and turn is a thrill. The listener is invited to embark and arrive wherever they choose and on their own terms, but is left in no doubt that 'Another Roadside Attraction' is all about the journey.

Date review added:  Saturday, July 17, 2010
Reviewer:  Tim Merricks
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  andyhawk