CD Reviews for 04/14/09 – Dex Romweber Duo, Black Joe Lewis & Honeybears
Compact Capsules by Dan Ferguson
Dex Romweber Duo
Ruins of Berlin
Bloodshot Records
When artists the likes of Jack White and Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) cite someone as a chief influence, you know the person has to have some shit in their shorts. Dex Romweber is one such talent. Half of the defunct, but near legendary primitive rock & roll act Flat Duo Jets, Ruins of Berlin returns Romweber back to the comfort zone of the duo configuration teaming with sidekick sister Sara (of Let’s Active fame) on drums. From crooner to wailer and garage to surf rock guitar impresario, Romweber on Ruins of Berlin displays his many talents like a peacock spreading its tail. It’s all pretty glorious. Visit www.ruraltone.com/dex.Â
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is
Lost Highway
Think James Brown minus the stage moves, but with a telecaster strung around his neck which he can sting with pretty good and you’ve got Black Joe Lewis. Based out of Austin, until this release Lewis had been laying it down mostly in the clubs that music crazy town. With the propulsive Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is, Lewis and his seven-piece Honeybears band take it national copping a gritty and greasy garage soul groove that carries from first track to last. Visit www.blackjoelewis.com.
(Dan Ferguson is a free-lance music writer and host of The Boudin Barndance, broadcast Thursday nights from 6 – 9 pm on WRIU-FM 90.3. He lives in Peace Dale and can be reached at [email protected].)
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