Title: Sadly, it's like a boring history lesson
Product review: I've been a big fan of Mr. Cooder's previous work (ex., see my customer review of Mambo Sinuendo), but I literally fell asleep while listening to this album. So after listening to it again while AWAKE, I'd like to be more specific about my disappointment. I think the basic problem is the "concept album" idea behind Ry's reflection on an aspect of his SoCal childhood. There are a few mildly catchy and/or entertaining songs, but there's also WAY too much mumbling about topics such as the persecution of suspected "Reds." The vocals are sometimes pretty awful, whether Mr. Cooder's or a guest's. And too many of the songs just drag along with a very slow tempo. I'm sure this will appeal to a very narrow audience of people who live in the Chavez Ravine area, or those interested in California history. But I'm also very sure I won't be the only Cooder fan making a beeline to get rid of this turkey.
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