Shaker
From glam-rock frontman of theNew York Dollsto his phase as the tuxedoed dandyBuster Poindexterto his latest incarnation as man-in-black blues revivalist, David Johansen has always displayed great taste in clothes and tunes. His second album as the leader of the Harry Smiths (named in honor of the man who compiled the influentialAnthology of American Folk Music) finds Johansen settling into his latest incarnation with striking confidence. The gruff-voiced vet brings a potent reverence and finesse, as well as some bite, to tracks from the fabled likes ofFurry Lewis,Mississippi John Hurt, andCharley Patton--not a modest feat. Understated accompaniment from the quartet of Brian Koonin, Larry Saltzman, Kermit Driscoll, and Keith Carlock suits the song and the singer to a T. Harry Smith would've been proud to have his name associated withShaker.--Steven Stolder