Title: Alvin Transformed
Review: The transformation of Alvin from croaker to crooner is complete with this disc, an enticing collection of California covers. Alvin, who played guitar and let brother Phil sing in the Blasters and then John Doe and Exene sing in X, has come into his own as an expressive singer, albeit one with limited range.His choices are inspired, as are the arrangements. He turns Jackson Browne's "Redneck Friend" into a slinky lounge shuffle. He resurrects John Stewart's "California Bloodlines" and makes Tom Waits's "Blind Love," a bluesy affirmation. Kate Wolf's "Here in California" is a beautiful centerpiece while John Fogerty's "Don't Look Now" becomes a front porch stomper. The only missed note is Brian Wilson's "Surfer Girl," the closer.
Is this product review negative?