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Title: A playful Van is a memorable Van
Review: Though it was recorded in about nine minutes and Linda Gail Lewis isn't always able to figure out Van's phrasing, (yeah, like you could) this is nonetheless Van's most engaging album in ages. Freed of the burden of having to come up with another set of lyrics about how swell God is and how much everybody since 1970 has ripped him off or lied about him, he simply delights in singing the music of his heroes. He is clearly having a grand time here, the band is tight but never showy, and Ms. Lewis is absolutely the Killer's sister. For those who found a lot of joy in Van's previous forays into tributes and genre exercises, this one's for you. By the way, Linda Gail Lewis recorded a smokin' album of duets with Jerry Lee back in '68 that stands as the greatest country duet album of all time. I believe it's only available as part of "The Locust Years" box set, but it's worth the high price.
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